Enjay

Because if you have good credit you get a nice high limit and a good reward structure. I have no complaints at all with Penfed.

I got it too. On one hand it is good to know that I'm not the only one, but I'm concerned there's been a massive breach of some sort. My account has been fine.

I think you are overthinking, big time.

Don't ever accumulate debt if you don't have to.

I rarely let more than a couple of hundred report. I have two balances right now that total about $1200 at 0%. I saw a nice jump in my Fakos (I rarely pull FICOs). I went from 0 utilization to 1%.

Sure, as long as you cut up your cards and don't use them until the loan is paid.

I just applied for (and received) a Kohls card at the counter this past weekend. I've wanted one for a while...back to school shopping + tax free weekend where I live + 30% discount for applying = makes perfect sense. I want those coupons! Rationally, I knew there was no way I'd be declined but I was still nervous during the minute or so it took to process my application. If I were borderline, I wouldn't apply at the register because I'm not into being embarrassed. Do you get the percentage off if you apply in customer service, 'cause that's what I would do if my approval chances were iffy.

I respect people so much more when they own up to their mistakes. There are many here who do that and many others who makes excuses. Such is life. I'll own up. My name is Enjay and I once owed over 30k on credit cards. I spent it mostly on travel and though I don't regret it (much) I had to rent rather than own until I was 40 years old. My credit was never bad because I was never late on a payment, but at one time my minimums came to $1500 a month. Stupid me didn't know that I didn't have to pay 29% interest. Would I do things differently if I got to live life over? Yeah, probably, but every decision I've made helped to make me the mostly responsible person I am today.

Be content with Penfed and apply for something else in 6 months if you must. Despite what some CWs will have you believe, there's little benefit in having more credit than you'll ever use.

Always let something report, but try to keep it under 20% of your credit limit at most. Most banks report your balance as of your closing date and your cards will show usage at that time. If I were you, I'd probably use 2 cards a month and pay one of them off before the closing date and let the other one report. Then rotate to two other cards the following month, etc.

Our corporate cards are Chase and we received an email about this a couple of days ago. Several employees had fallen for it and their cards were cancelled before any fraudulent activity occurred.

I use debit from time to time. I was exclusively debit for about 10 years and never had a problem. I'd never use it for gas (because of the hold) or internet purchases (duh) but for other purchases it is fine.

Once a prime card or two gets into the mix, I'd get rid of any subprime card that is costing you (generic) anything.

Did she own her house? If so, there would be an estate that needs to be settled and the proceeds of the sale would go to the creditors prior to being distritubed to the heirs. Other than that, the FOAD letters are a good solution.

Your FICO® scores are estimated to be between: 755-805. That's about right. I haven't pulled in a while but my real scores are usually in the 780-800 range.