Several years ago went thru hard times. Collections, charge offs and a foreclosure. I had no credit in 2011 when I got a USAA secure MC with a $1500 limit. I PIF a couple of times a month since. In 2013 I got a USAA secured AMEX with $3500. My wife had a $200 visa and a $300 visa. In 2014 we financed a new car at 8%. In December we were told that our house we rent was being sold. We don't want to move so I looked at my CR for the first time in years, all were around 605. I paid the last collection and it was removed from all 3 CRs. Paid a judgement and it was removed from 2 CRs. Didn't use the cards for a month to ensure the reported $0. Results: 680-702! Well I have wanted a real card and I really wanted AMEX HHonors. So I worked up the nerve to apply and boom $5000 SL. Then I thought USAA should show some love. USAA rewards Visa $7000 SL. Then I remembered that if you apply for 2 with USAA they will use the same pull. So why not? USAA Rate Advantage Visa $8000 SL. All within an hour. That was a month ago. Since I've also added AMEX Platinum.
my wife went from no credit to 690-720 so I told her to apply for real cards. Discover IT $5000, Citi Double Cash $6000, Chase Slate $4800 and AMEX Everyday Cash $10,000.
So I think we have made it back.
As far as the house, I've been approved for the $460k VA mortgage at 3.1%. We are closing in August.