This is my first post, but first I just want to thank everybody here for their insights and sage advice on everything related credit.
It all started with a pre approved letter from Cap one!
-March 15, I applied online, and I got approved for the Platinum with a 2K SL. I called to activate it and they upgraded it to quicksilver with no annual fee. I used it very heavily and I paid it off like 7 times per month. And now I amassed $96 in cash back. I'm waiting patiently till June 12th cause that's when my 3rd statement cuts so I can click the LUV button! I'm hoping for at least 3k CLI.
- April 15, I applied for a secure Discover, got approved and I maxed my deposit at 2.5k. Two weeks later I called them to change my rewards to the Discover it revolving 5% cash back, which they did and it will start in June for me. I thought since they will be doubling all cash back from my first year, if I can make $300 then I'll get it back as $600 which is not a bad return for freezing 2.5k with them for at least a year.
-May 13, I checked the pre approval site for American Express, and to my surprise I was pre approved for the Platinum with 100k bonus points, and the Blue Cash Preffered with potential to make $450 cash back, and the Delta Gold with 50K points offer. I apped for the BCP, got approved for 2k. Then I apped for the Platinum, and they approved instantly! I got a little greedy and I applied for the Gold, and I got a message that they need to review it. So I called couple days later and asked them to cancel it cause I'd rather apply for the everyday card so I can accrue some points since I'll be getting 100k points from the platinum. So I applied for the Everyday card online, and I got a message that they will let me know, so I called and I got declined. I waited 3 days, then based on some advice on this amazing forum, I called and asked for reconsideration on it, and I pleaded my case that I wanted it cause I wanted to be able to add points on the 100k points so I can have a trip to India! The person who was helping laughed, and told me it will take a few more days to process it, and that I might be hit with an HP for it. 3 days later, I check the online application status,a and to my surprise it was approved! So I called to know what my SL was and they told me it was 2K and they even rushed it for me. At that point, I was happy cause I thought I got it without getting an extra HP, but to my surprise I got an alert on Myfico the next day that Amex pulled another HP. At that point, I thought let me apply for the Gold Premier so I did online and I got a message that they need time. I called today and asked about it, and a gentleman asks me why I applied for it since I already have the Platinum, so I told him I wanted to try both for a year and then keep the one that fits my lifestyle more. He was like that's a good idea, and he approved me and rushed my card!
-May 18, I checked the pre approval site for chase, and I was pre approved for Freedom, and Slate. I apped for Freedom, and got the message to wait 30 days. I called 2 days later a number I found on this forum, and a lady talked to me, asked for my cell, and then sent me a text message and then approved me for 2.5 K starting limit and even rushed the card for me!
Now that I have all the cards that I was looking for, I'm definitely gonna go to the garden for at least 2 years and let these cards grow.
My Fico score is: Trans 676 Equifax: 675 Experian: 667( it dropped 18 points cause Amex 2pulls and Chase 1 Pull)
my utilization is 2%
I have 3 old derogs that I settled for zero balance 2 weeks ago, but they haven't been reflected in my report yet.
Thanks again everyone for all your help in making believe me that there is actually hope for building your credit again.