mediacl clinic has 4 accounts liste4d on my credit report as derogatory

Bo!

I truly appreciate your website, you have awesome advice and have done a great job with breaking down what someone should do to correct their credit issues.

The problem I'm having is I just found out this week that a medical clinic I started going to on last year has placed 4 derogatory amts into collection on my report.
I started going to this location b/c it opened up right around the corner from my house, making urgent care more convenient.

I have called them to explain that I have never rec'v a bill from them and am getting no where. They say b/c they show the correct address on file, they refuse to remove it even after I told them I'm not disputing the charge and want to pay these amts. I just want to request they remove these amts.

I told her along with never rec'v a bill, I didn't even get a phone call and they have never stopped me from visits due to non-payment. She ( the office manager) told me that they don't do their own billing, b/c they don't have that type of personnel. They have a company in another state process their billing. I should not be penalize b/c their billing company does not f/u w/ their patients to try and collect a payment the proper way.

These amts. are $6, $8, $34, & 64.

Several ppl have told me to before making the payment ask them to agree to have this removed but it's not working for me.

This appeared on my report in Nov.

I'm stressing b/c it took me 3 years to start rebuilding my credit after a divorce so now I protect my credit by any means necessary. I wish the Fair Credit Act had a law where it has to be certain amt. before they place it on your credit report as a collection b/c this is truly ridiculous!

She told me she was considering removing it until she see where I once made a payment so b/c of this, she feels this is proof I rec'v the other bills. Which I am still denying this could still not be true, simply b/c there are times I don't rec'v mail properly b/c my physical address ends in SW and if you don't put it, sometimes we don't rec'v it. Why, I don't know but it happens.

I'm actually going up to the office today to meet w/the office manager personally b/c I'm sure it's easy for someone to say "no" while on the phone but I'm hopeful it will be harder with someone looking you directly in your face.

I just don't know why someone would hurt someone else's future when they are trying to work w/ their organization and not trying to deny bill.

Can you help me figure this one out????? Thank you!

Bo Majors
to LIVE HUMAN
show details
Jan 26 (2 days ago)
your om the right track
tell them your trying to quailfy for a home loan and these are the only bad marks on your credit. youll pay including all fees if they give you a statement in writing that says paid as agreeed and on time.
- Show quoted text -

----------------------------
Hi Bo!

I truly appreciate your website, you have awesome advice and have done a great job with breaking down what someone should do to correct their credit issues.

The problem I'm having is I just found out this week that a medical clinic I started going to on last year has placed 4 derogatory amts into collection on my report.
I started going to this location b/c it opened up right around the corner from my house, making urgent care more convenient.

I have called them to explain that I have never rec'v a bill from them and am getting no where. They say b/c they show the correct address on file, they refuse to remove it even after I told them I'm not disputing the charge and want to pay these amts. I just want to request they remove these amts.

I told her along with never rec'v a bill, I didn't even get a phone call and they have never stopped me from visits due to non-payment. She ( the office manager) told me that they don't do their own billing, b/c they don't have that type of personnel. They have a company in another state process their billing. I should not be penalize b/c their billing company does not f/u w/ their patients to try and collect a payment the proper way.

These amts. are $6, $8, $34, & 64.

Several ppl have told me to before making the payment ask them to agree to have this removed but it's not working for me.

This appeared on my report in Nov.

I'm stressing b/c it took me 3 years to start rebuilding my credit after a divorce so now I protect my credit by any means necessary. I wish the Fair Credit Act had a law where it has to be certain amt. before they place it on your credit report as a collection b/c this is truly ridiculous!

She told me she was considering removing it until she see where I once made a payment so b/c of this, she feels this is proof I rec'v the other bills. Which I am still denying this could still not be true, simply b/c there are times I don't rec'v mail properly b/c my physical address ends in SW and if you don't put it, sometimes we don't rec'v it. Why, I don't know but it happens.

I'm actually going up to the office today to meet w/the office manager personally b/c I'm sure it's easy for someone to say "no" while on the phone but I'm hopeful it will be harder with someone looking you directly in your face.

I just don't know why someone would hurt someone else's future when they are trying to work w/ their organization and not trying to deny bill.

Can you help me figure this one out????? Thank you!

LIVE HUMAN
to Bo

Actually, I told her that b/c we are in the process of working on prequalifying for a new home this is how her collections acct. was brought to my attention.
The only thing I have not offered was to pay any add'l fees. I'll see how it goes today and let you know.

I just can't believe I'm going through this.
So if after all this nothing changes, would the next step be to contact the credit bureaus? and if your answer is "yes" haven't I already opened a can of worms that may make it easier for them to dispute my argument that I never rec'v these bills?
--------------------------------
From: Bo Majors [mailto:majors@oskie.com]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 8:14 AM
To: LIVE HUMAN
Re: working w/ medical creditors

your om the right track
tell them your trying to quailfy for a home loan and these are the only bad marks on your credit. youll pay including all fees if they give you a statement in writing that says paid as agreeed and on time.

On 1/26/07, Woods, Twanna <Twanna.Woods@laquinta.com> wrote:
Hi Bo!

I truly appreciate your website, you have awesome advice and have done a great job with breaking down what someone should do to correct their credit issues.

The problem I'm having is I just found out this week that a medical clinic I started going to on last year has placed 4 derogatory amts into collection on my report.
I started going to this location b/c it opened up right around the corner from my house, making urgent care more convenient.

I have called them to explain that I have never rec'v a bill from them and am getting no where. They say b/c they show the correct address on file, they refuse to remove it even after I told them I'm not disputing the charge and want to pay these amts. I just want to request they remove these amts.

I told her along with never rec'v a bill, I didn't even get a phone call and they have never stopped me from visits due to non-payment. She ( the office manager) told me that they don't do their own billing, b/c they don't have that type of personnel. They have a company in another state process their billing. I should not be penalize b/c their billing company does not f/u w/ their patients to try and collect a payment the proper way.

These amts. are $6, $8, $34, & 64.

Several ppl have told me to before making the payment ask them to agree to have this removed but it's not working for me.

This appeared on my report in Nov.

I'm stressing b/c it took me 3 years to start rebuilding my credit after a divorce so now I protect my credit by any means necessary. I wish the Fair Credit Act had a law where it has to be certain amt. before they place it on your credit report as a collection b/c this is truly ridiculous!

She told me she was considering removing it until she see where I once made a payment so b/c of this, she feels this is proof I rec'v the other bills. Which I am still denying this could still not be true, simply b/c there are times I don't rec'v mail properly b/c my physical address ends in SW and if you don't put it, sometimes we don't rec'v it. Why, I don't know but it happens.

I'm actually going up to the office today to meet w/the office manager personally b/c I'm sure it's easy for someone to say "no" while on the phone but I'm hopeful it will be harder with someone looking you directly in your face.

I just don't know why someone would hurt someone else's future when they are trying to work w/ their organization and not trying to deny bill.

Can you help me figure this one out????? Thank you!
----------------------------------
Bo Majors
to LIVE HUMAN

Jan 26 (2 days ago)
Look back at my credit page for remove completely
Read about debt validation. It might help you.
--------------------------------
On 1/26/07, LIVE HUMAN wrote:
thank you for your quick response.

Actually, I told her that b/c we are in the process of working on prequalifying for a new home this is how her collections acct. was brought to my attention.
The only thing I have not offered was to pay any add'l fees. I'll see how it goes today and let you know.

I just can't believe I'm going through this.
So if after all this nothing changes, would the next step be to contact the credit bureaus? and if your answer is "yes" haven't I already opened a can of worms that may make it easier for them to dispute my argument that I never rec'v these bills?


From: Bo Majors [mailto:majors@oskie.com]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 8:14 AM
To: LIVE HUMAN
Re: working w/ medical creditors
your om the right track
tell them your trying to quailfy for a home loan and these are the only bad marks on your credit. youll pay including all fees if they give you a statement in writing that says paid as agreeed and on time.

On 1/26/07, LIVE HUMAN wrote:
Hi Bo!

I truly appreciate your website, you have awesome advice and have done a great job with breaking down what someone should do to correct their credit issues.

The problem I'm having is I just found out this week that a medical clinic I started going to on last year has placed 4 derogatory amts into collection on my report.
I started going to this location b/c it opened up right around the corner from my house, making urgent care more convenient.

I have called them to explain that I have never rec'v a bill from them and am getting no where. They say b/c they show the correct address on file, they refuse to remove it even after I told them I'm not disputing the charge and want to pay these amts. I just want to request they remove these amts.

I told her along with never rec'v a bill, I didn't even get a phone call and they have never stopped me from visits due to non-payment. She ( the office manager) told me that they don't do their own billing, b/c they don't have that type of personnel. They have a company in another state process their billing. I should not be penalize b/c their billing company does not f/u w/ their patients to try and collect a payment the proper way.

These amts. are $6, $8, $34, & 64.

Several ppl have told me to before making the payment ask them to agree to have this removed but it's not working for me.

This appeared on my report in Nov.

I'm stressing b/c it took me 3 years to start rebuilding my credit after a divorce so now I protect my credit by any means necessary. I wish the Fair Credit Act had a law where it has to be certain amt. before they place it on your credit report as a collection b/c this is truly ridiculous!

She told me she was considering removing it until she see where I once made a payment so b/c of this, she feels this is proof I rec'v the other bills. Which I am still denying this could still not be true, simply b/c there are times I don't rec'v mail properly b/c my physical address ends in SW and if you don't put it, sometimes we don't rec'v it. Why, I don't know but it happens.

I'm actually going up to the office today to meet w/the office manager personally b/c I'm sure it's easy for someone to say "no" while on the phone but I'm hopeful it will be harder with someone looking you directly in your face.

I just don't know why someone would hurt someone else's future when they are trying to work w/ their organization and not trying to deny bill.

Can you help me figure this one out????? Thank you!
---------------------------------
LIVE HUMAN
to me
show details
Jan 26 (2 days ago)
OKay, will do!

Once this is all clear, I will let you know, so I can be another person to brag that your advice does work!

I truly appreciate you putting so much information out there for individuals who care about their credit.

Have a great day!
:)
--------------------------------------------
From: Bo Majors [mailto:majors@oskie.com]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:16 AM
- Show quoted text -
To: Woods, TwannaSubject:
Re: working w/ medical creditors

Look back at my credit page for remove completely
Read about debt validation. It might help you.
-----------------------------
On 1/26/07, LIVE HUMAN wrote:
thank you for your quick response.

Actually, I told her that b/c we are in the process of working on prequalifying for a new home this is how her collections acct. was brought to my attention.
The only thing I have not offered was to pay any add'l fees. I'll see how it goes today and let you know.

I just can't believe I'm going through this.
So if after all this nothing changes, would the next step be to contact the credit bureaus? and if your answer is "yes" haven't I already opened a can of worms that may make it easier for them to dispute my argument that I never rec'v these bills?
-------------------------------
From: Bo Majors [mailto:majors@oskie.com]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 8:14 AM
To: LIVE HUMAN
Re: working w/ medical creditors
your om the right track
tell them your trying to quailfy for a home loan and these are the only bad marks on your credit. youll pay including all fees if they give you a statement in writing that says paid as agreeed and on time.

On 1/26/07, LIVE HUMAN wrote:
Hi Bo!

I truly appreciate your website, you have awesome advice and have done a great job with breaking down what someone should do to correct their credit issues.

The problem I'm having is I just found out this week that a medical clinic I started going to on last year has placed 4 derogatory amts into collection on my report.
I started going to this location b/c it opened up right around the corner from my house, making urgent care more convenient.

I have called them to explain that I have never rec'v a bill from them and am getting no where. They say b/c they show the correct address on file, they refuse to remove it even after I told them I'm not disputing the charge and want to pay these amts. I just want to request they remove these amts.

I told her along with never rec'v a bill, I didn't even get a phone call and they have never stopped me from visits due to non-payment. She ( the office manager) told me that they don't do their own billing, b/c they don't have that type of personnel. They have a company in another state process their billing. I should not be penalize b/c their billing company does not f/u w/ their patients to try and collect a payment the proper way.

These amts. are $6, $8, $34, & 64.

Several ppl have told me to before making the payment ask them to agree to have this removed but it's not working for me.

This appeared on my report in Nov.

I'm stressing b/c it took me 3 years to start rebuilding my credit after a divorce so now I protect my credit by any means necessary. I wish the Fair Credit Act had a law where it has to be certain amt. before they place it on your credit report as a collection b/c this is truly ridiculous!

She told me she was considering removing it until she see where I once made a payment so b/c of this, she feels this is proof I rec'v the other bills. Which I am still denying this could still not be true, simply b/c there are times I don't rec'v mail properly b/c my physical address ends in SW and if you don't put it, sometimes we don't rec'v it. Why, I don't know but it happens.

I'm actually going up to the office today to meet w/the office manager personally b/c I'm sure it's easy for someone to say "no" while on the phone but I'm hopeful it will be harder with someone looking you directly in your face.

I just don't know why someone would hurt someone else's future when they are trying to work w/ their organization and not trying to deny bill.

Can you help me figure this one out????? Thank you!
LIVE HUMAN
---------------------------
LIVE HUMAN
to me
show details
Jan 26 (2 days ago)
OKAY, HERE YOU GO!!!!!

I went to the Physicians office today and spoke directly with the office manager I had been trying to work with all week!
I figured if she could see that I was a real person and not just someone over the phone it might make a difference.
Also, I printed off the storyline of the movie "Pay It Forward"
I asked her had she ever seen this movie and she said "Yes" and knew exactly where I was going.
She applauded me for my persistence and said as long as I was going to pay the amt. in full she would have my delinquencies removed.
She made the call while in the office to the Collection Agency and also put it in writing on their letter head they have agreed to remove this b/c of my payment in full!

I am going to make sure I send your link to everyone I know b/c it is b/c of your wonderful advice I was able to approach this with hope of it getting cleared up.

and this was 4 derogatory marks on my report.
So I look forward in seeing my Credit Score moving back up!

Thank you Bo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
----------------------
From: Bo Majors [mailto:majors@oskie.com]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:16 AM
To: LIVE HUMAN:
Re: working w/ medical creditors
Look back at my credit page for remove completely
Read about debt validation. It might help you.
----------------------------------
On 1/26/07, LIVE HUMAN wrote:
thank you for your quick response.

Actually, I told her that b/c we are in the process of working on prequalifying for a new home this is how her collections acct. was brought to my attention.
The only thing I have not offered was to pay any add'l fees. I'll see how it goes today and let you know.

I just can't believe I'm going through this.
So if after all this nothing changes, would the next step be to contact the credit bureaus? and if your answer is "yes" haven't I already opened a can of worms that may make it easier for them to dispute my argument that I never rec'v these bills?
--------------------------------------------
From: Bo Majors [mailto:majors@oskie.com]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 8:14 AM
To: LIVE HUMAN
working w/ medical creditors
your om the right track
tell them your trying to quailfy for a home loan and these are the only bad marks on your credit. youll pay including all fees if they give you a statement in writing that says paid as agreeed and on time.
---------------------------------------
On 1/26/07, REAL PERSON wrote:
Hi Bo!

I truly appreciate your website, you have awesome advice and have done a great job with breaking down what someone should do to correct their credit issues.

The problem I'm having is I just found out this week that a medical clinic I started going to on last year has placed 4 derogatory amts into collection on my report.
I started going to this location b/c it opened up right around the corner from my house, making urgent care more convenient.

I have called them to explain that I have never rec'v a bill from them and am getting no where. They say b/c they show the correct address on file, they refuse to remove it even after I told them I'm not disputing the charge and want to pay these amts. I just want to request they remove these amts.

I told her along with never rec'v a bill, I didn't even get a phone call and they have never stopped me from visits due to non-payment. She ( the office manager) told me that they don't do their own billing, b/c they don't have that type of personnel. They have a company in another state process their billing. I should not be penalize b/c their billing company does not f/u w/ their patients to try and collect a payment the proper way.

These amts. are $6, $8, $34, & 64.

Several ppl have told me to before making the payment ask them to agree to have this removed but it's not working for me.

This appeared on my report in Nov.

I'm stressing b/c it took me 3 years to start rebuilding my credit after a divorce so now I protect my credit by any means necessary. I wish the Fair Credit Act had a law where it has to be certain amt. before they place it on your credit report as a collection b/c this is truly ridiculous!

She told me she was considering removing it until she see where I once made a payment so b/c of this, she feels this is proof I rec'v the other bills. Which I am still denying this could still not be true, simply b/c there are times I don't rec'v mail properly b/c my physical address ends in SW and if you don't put it, sometimes we don't rec'v it. Why, I don't know but it happens.

I'm actually going up to the office today to meet w/the office manager personally b/c I'm sure it's easy for someone to say "no" while on the phone but I'm hopeful it will be harder with someone looking you directly in your face.

I just don't know why someone would hurt someone else's future when they are trying to work w/ their organization and not trying to deny bill.

Can you help me figure this one out????? Thank you!

-- Bobo "Bo" Majorswww.oskie.com Footballwww.oskie.com/equifaxtransunionexperiancredit.htm Credit -- Bobo "Bo" Majorswww.oskie.com Footballwww.oskie.com/equifaxtransunionexperiancredit.htm Credit

------------------------
Bo Majors
GReat job Happy New Year
---------------------------
LIVE HUMAN TO BO MAJORS
show details
Jan 26 (2 days ago)
Thank you!

It will be!
:)

Debt Validation for collection companies

Hello Bo:Thank you for such a wonderful website and helpful information. However, I have a question that I could not find an answer to on your site. I had a credit card debt that was charged off from the original creditor in 2000. It was then sold to a collection agency #1 so I have 2 negative marks for the same debt. While I was making payments to collection agency #1, it was then sold to another collection agency #2. After that, I stopped making payments and was not bothered by any collectors. The negative mark from the original creditor is scheduled to be removed this year in May. Just the other day, I received a phone call from collection agency #2 in regards to the debt.My question is, after the debt is removed from my report by the original creditor due to the 7 year mark, would the collection agencies have to remove their mark too because it is the same debt?? Your reply would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,
Live Human
------------
Bo Majors
to Live Human
show details
Jan 25 (4 days ago)
read this

The addresses for reporting by mail were different from the one’s listed on the following:
Equifax P.O. Box 740256
Transunion P.O. Box 2000
------------------------------
You could use either one. I know that the ones on my website work. I also know there are others that will work also. Just make sure you say atten dispute dept.

The collection agency is willing to take 30% of my bill and settle so i can get a loan

Hello Majors,

Thank you so much for your blog. Quick question, I had a medical bill that went to collections, my credit score which was 720 dropped to 660, I have called the collection agency and asked them to negotiate, they are willing to take 30% off the bill. They said they will take it off my credit. However, is this true? Do they really take off a collection off your credit report? Or does it stay there for 7 years? How does this work?

Thank you so much!!!

LIVE HUMAN
--------------------------
Bo Majors
LIVE HUMAN
show details
Jan 22 (6 days ago)
yes they can get written confirmation before you pay. sounds like a great deal take it

Apartment complex turned over to collections for fees I do not owe

Hi Bo,I read your site and found it immensely helpful and informative. I waswondering if I might ask you a question regarding what I should do about anegative item on my credit report.In May of 2005, I and two roommates moved out of an apartment we weresharing. We were hit by the apartment company with what we considered anexorbitant damage bill - $353, considering we left the place in pristinecondition. We tried unsuccessfully to negotiate with the company, but theywould not budge. That was the end of it for a while...In July of 2006, I got a call from a bill collector on the damage bill. Itold him we thought the damages were exorbitant and would not pay. Itsubsequently went on all three of our credit reports as deliquent but"disputed by customer."Now, in January 2007, I would like to take care of this. I followed youradvice regarding trying to get the collection agency to remove the item inexchange for payment, but they refused and said they would only mark it aspaid. They say to remove it would violate their obligation to the reportingcompanies to provide accurate information.The collection agency is ACCBI in Florida. My current score is 662. Is itworth while to pay if I can't succeed in negotiations? Are there some othernegotiation techniques I should be trying? Could I go around the collectorat this point and go back to the apartment company?Thanks for your help,
LIVE HUMAN
----------------------------------
Bo Majors
LIVE HUMAN
show details
Jan 22 (6 days ago)
The apartment complex is were to go for credit relief
Im not sure that most collection agencies even operate by the law they state
check this out
http://www.creditinfocenter.com/rebuild/debt_validation.shtml
LIVE HUMAN wrote:
Hi Bo,I read your site and found it immensely helpful and informative. I waswondering if I might ask you a question regarding what I should do about a negative item on my credit report.In May of 2005, I and two roommates moved out of an apartment we weresharing. We were hit by the apartment company with what we considered anexorbitant damage bill - $353, considering we left the place in pristine condition. We tried unsuccessfully to negotiate with the company, but theywould not budge. That was the end of it for a while...In July of 2006, I got a call from a bill collector on the damage bill. Itold him we thought the damages were exorbitant and would not pay. Itsubsequently went on all three of our credit reports as deliquent but"disputed by customer."Now, in January 2007, I would like to take care of this. I followed your advice regarding trying to get the collection agency to remove the item inexchange for payment, but they refused and said they would only mark it aspaid. They say to remove it would violate their obligation to the reporting companies to provide accurate information.The collection agency is ACCBI in Florida. My current score is 662. Is itworth while to pay if I can't succeed in negotiations? Are there some othernegotiation techniques I should be trying? Could I go around the collector at this point and go back to the apartment company?Thanks for your help, LIVE HUMAN
-----------------------
Bo TO LIVE HUMAN

The apartment complex is were to go for credit relief Im not sure that most collection agencies even operate by the law they state. Check this out
http://www.creditinfocenter.com/rebuild/debt_validation.shtml
- Show quoted text -

how can i get student loans taken of my credit report if I consolidated all the loans with a finacne company

Bo,

First, thank you for being a good human being and helping others – that’s what life is supposed to be about.

Second, I am recovering from a divorce and am getting my credit back up to par.

Lastly, my question is how or can I get my student loans taken of my credit report if I have consolidated all the loans with another finance company? I had four student loans with different companies while going through school. After graduating, I consolidated all those loans under one finance company. Being that the four original loans were over 7 years old, I tried to get them to delete them from my report. They would not, even though I disputed that the loans were consolidated. If this makes any bearing one the matter, all loans, consolidated or otherwise are in good standing.

Thanks for your help,
Live Human
----------------------------------
Bo Majors
TO LIVE HUMAN
show details
Jan 22 (6 days ago)
If the loans were never more than 30 days late they are not hurting your report and i would not worry with it. Credit stays on your report for 7 years past the date of last activity. IF the date of last activity is past 7 years the accounts should be reomved.
You would dispute that the loans or outdated no consolidated. Matter of a fact consolidated only verifys that fact that the loans are a matter of fact.

I bought a car and had 40 inquiries. Can I dispute them to help my score

Hi Bo, thanks for publishing your tips online. I bought two cars in 2006 and had 67 inquiries ( hard ) made through the 2 dealers I bought from. My score lowered by 40 points as a result of it. Can I dispute the amount of inquiries on my report ? I am getting ready to buy a house and my score will increase the interest rate on a mortgage.
Thanks,
LIVE HUMAN
-------------------------
Bo Majors
TO LIVE HUMAN
show details
Jan 19
You can but i doubt it will work. After all they were real hits from a car dealer. I might be angry with the car dealer. Your credit must have been borderline because most dealers will not work that hard to get financing unless there is a problem.
- Show quoted text -
--------------------------------
Hi Bo, thanks for publishing your tips online. I bought two cars in 2006 and had 67 inquiries ( hard ) made through the 2 dealers I bought from. My score lowered by 40 points as a result of it. Can I dispute the amount of inquiries on my report ? I am getting ready to buy a house and my score will increase the interest rate on a mortgage.
Thanks,
----------------------
TO LIVE HUMAN
show details
Jan 19
Thanks for your reply, and yes it was 627 at the time.

las date listed 10-99, transfered to different lender. should they be removed now

Bo,
I read your website today and I have several questions for you regarding my credit report.
What is the most favorable “pay status” that you can receive on your report, is it “current?
A few years ago I closed many credit card accounts after paying off their balance. I was unaware, until today, that this was worse for my credit. I have many accounts listed on my report that say that consumer requested account closed. Is there anything I could and should do? Of few of the accounts should be coming off the report as of 10/07. Should I reopen them even if they have a zero balance?
I have several student loan accounts that all have zero balances and are closed. The last date listed on the report is for 10/99, however they have “transferred to different lender” on them. Shouldn’t they be removed by now?
I have a listing for a credit card where it says “bad debt, charge off, collection” on it. I think the balance on it may have been $1,126. It was closed July 2003. Should I reopen the account and pay off the balance?

Right now my credit scores are – Transunion-637; Experian -643; and Equifax -576.

Live Human
Bo Majors
To LIVE HUMAN
Jan 18
1. current, zero balance, no lates
2. It is not bad for your credit if you pay them off before you close them
3. if 10/99 is date of last activity then it should come off and you'll be done with it
4. yes you should if you can
something has happened on the equifax that hasn;t on the others. The 640's are ok and i wouldn;t be too concerned

credit card that had reported to Experian that I paid off, negatively showed up on my credit report with Experian and Equifax

Mr Oskie

Thank you for taking the time to review my correspondence.

I had a credit card that had reported to Experian that I paid off an account; however, they stated that I Settled the payment. Which in effect, this negatively showed up on my credit report with Experian and Equifax. The fact is that I paid the account off in full. I did not settle. When I contacted Experian, they started the dispute and they found out that Citibank reported, incorrectly. Experian removed it from my credit report; consequently, this raised my credit score with Experian by 100 points.

Now, I have noticed that the same Settlement was showing up on my December Equifax credit report. Of course, the seven years was up in January, and it automatically deleted from my Equifax report in January. However, my credit score is 75 points lower than Experian's credit score. Eventhough the same creditors, i'e Installment Loans and Revolving Credit, are on both bureaus' reports.

My question is: Since the Settlement perceivably, drastically lowered my credit score with Equifax, then the Settlement automatically dropped off of my report in January 2007, of course my credit score didnt automatically raise.....because in Equifax's mind, they believe that I had a Settlement in my credit history. Can I dispute my credit score with Equifax or can they retroactively remove the Settlement, which in turn will raise my credit score?


Thanks in advance!

REAL LIVE PERSON

Bo Majors
to Live Human
show details
Jan 18
none of this would be a fact.
your credit report must show something that is different to be that much lower. A charged up card a payement one day late. Something has to be different.

you are never penalized for something that is not currently on your report.

Don't use Capital One Credit Cards

My name is Mike.. I read your terrific advice, and it is great.. One question though about what you said about "get rid of and dont apply for capitalone credit cards".. cause they show maxed credit... I have fourof them, how can i tell that they are showing the exact same thing youdescribed?? thanks in advance...
-----------------------
if you get the balance off the cards your score will rise no matter how you do it as long as you don't go over 80% on another card
You need to check your credit to make sure I am telling facts.
I have heard this from several reliable sources but i do not have direct confirmation.
do you know how they are reported and what your score is
------------------------
right now my score is 620. all 4 cap one cards are showing my credit limit as 0$ but shows my balances.. so I assume that is what you were talking about... so if i transfer those balances off of capital one cards to the others like hsbc for example, then that would be good for my score right? and still leave the capitalone cards still open, just with no balances? right? or just close them afterwards? by the way I really appreciate this.. if there was a linkon your site for a donation, i would send you one.. Ive told others about your advice after I noticed it... thanks!!
------------------------
well I KNEW IT
Ive been told this is fact.
yes...four cards could up your score big time i bet up to 700
I don't think it would be wise to keep the capital one cards active for any reason. if you can close them AFTER you have paid them completely off
-----------------
I am gonna transfer the balances off and will post an update later on... thanks again for your terrific advice...
----------------------
ur welcome

My Divorce has hurt my credit score and credit report

hello bo thanks for the very helpful and informative site. after a divorce my credit suffered dramatically. i have done nothing for well over 3 years on my credit until oct of o6. i purchased a tri report from trans union thru true credit. my experian was 583 equifax was 553 and trans was 558. i have done absolutely nothing else for 3 months had nothing new go on or anything. jan 13 of 07 i again checked my scores equifax dropped 33 points experian dropped 57 points and trans raised 15 points. do these other agencys know when you purchase from competiors. within 24 hours of purchasing my trans went up 5 pts. also the only thing i had done to my report otherwise is had over 5000 of bad reported child support removed which i thought would improve not be derogatory. PLEASE help what do i do we were planning on buying a home in 3 months. thanks in advance
----------------------------
you can do nothing for 3 months and late bills can just show as even worse.
i cannot see your report 3 months ago or the one you have now but something changed. the most common is more than 80% owed against high credit limit.
there are som serious infractions on your reports. each bureau has different creditors that report to them so scores are alwasy a little different.
bureaus have no idea when you get a report online. they are too busy to even try to keep up with somthing so sinister

Raise my credit and dispute some errors on my report

I am tryimg to raise my credit score and I have already disputed some items on my report. I've now gotten my reports back from my disputes. Most of the stuff was updated as a paid collection account. How can I get this removed?
---------------------------
Removed only happens when one bargains or talks to creditors.
Paid Collections will be on your report for 7 years.
They affect you only for 2 years if have new and current rated credit lines.

Dispute inquiries, names, negatives, credit repair compnies can help?

I’m looking for advice. I have been told by others that I can send in disputes on little things such as “jr” is missing from my name in hopes that those collections agencies won’t respond and therefore the negative entries on my credit report will be removed. Is this what the “Credit Repair” companies do aside from creating a new identity (illegally from what it sounds like)? Also, If I have paid off any collections, can I have them removed from my report?

Thank you so much for your help in advance.
----------------------------
Credit repair companies do what my website tips say to do mostly, then charge you for it. Collections can removed in some cases by making deals to pay in full + fees if they take the credit entry off. Most collections deal with utilities, hospitals and the like. Because unpaid bills have been sold to collections for cents on the dollar collections compnies will sometimes cut a deal. This assumes the collections are total seperate from the original debt.
Call and make deals with collections.
Dispute errors on credit files and hope for the best.
-------------------------------
Since I’ve already paid these debts, is there still any way for me to negotiate them to come off my credit report?
-------------------
I doubt it.
If they are more than 2 years old and you have new and current credit the effects are slight if any

BK is scheduled to come off my report soon

Hi Bo-I'm writing you to find out if you have any suggestions about my BK thats scheduled to come off my report next month. Do you think I should write thebureaus and remind them? Or do you believe it will just fall off?Thank you.
----------------------------
I would write them myself to make sure. Just so I could sleep better. I would wait until the expected date has passed and use the formal dispute form and state account is reported incorrectly as time has expired.
I would also make sure I was working on new good credit
----------------------------
Wow, thank you for the advice. I wasn’t sure I would get a response but appreciate your insight.

arrangements to settle old debts with a company

I would like to know if you do not make arrangements to settle old debts with a company. Do they ever come off your credit report? Or is the only way to get it fixed is to set up a payment plan. Thank you
--------------------
they are supposed to come in 7 years from date of last activity.
sometimes creditors find way of manipulating this date. collections and stuff
once they set up payments though they cannot SUE you for the balance. So most either sell them to collections, sue or charge you off. suit or collections are the most painful. collections is where the redating come in most times.

Charge off debt for 1400. Should I settle the acccount or pay in full

Your website has been very helpful to me. I have 1 question that seems to be hard to answer. I have a charged-off debt in the amount of $1400. The company is willing to settle the amount for $400. If I a pay it in full, they said it would show paid in full. Is it better for my credit that I pay it in full or will it not matter as it is already a charged off account with poor payment history? Thanks
----------------------------------
Depends on the dates and all. Is the account is like 3+ years old they might readate the account and by paying make it new.
But my opinion is you sould pay them and take whatever deal they make and learn from your mistakes.
-----------------------------------
I feel like I should be paying you for this advise.

The account was opened in 2000. It charged of in 2003. I have been making payments but inconsistently since 2003. Dumb on my part, but a juvenile college kid at the time. I want it done and gone, just not sure the best thing to do and don't want to waste $1200 that could be used to pay off current. The company did state that they thought it might fall off in a couple years if paid in full. Thanks again.
-------------------------------
Charged off in 03 is going to hurt your credit pretty good at 1400. SOOOooooo

If I had the the money I would pay them off BUT, I would ask for them to take the account off my credit totally for 1400! Or Update the account to show never late and paid as agreed. Which they can do but will say they can't do.
OR
I would settle for the $400.

Settlement accepted on this account
OR
Account paid in full on a charged off acount are not much different in the ling run and on your credit score.

Your score will get better if you keep current and open accounts and pay on time and get some time behind the late payments.

It just feels better to pay everyone, everything, like an alcholic is supposed to make amends on step nine. You will be less likley to take this path again.

Credit card company closed my account and still charge interest

I am sending this email to find out a question. Can a credit card company close an account, but still charge intrest.On my credit report it says that the account is closed by creditor.
-------------------------
They sure can. Usually up to 180 days worth, then they go to courts or collection agencies and nasty stuff. Even worse they can add penalties which are stated in your credit card agreement which almost no one reads. These agreements basically say they can charge you whatever they want if this or that happens.

Rebuild my credit by paying unpaid bills and student loans

Hello Bo, My name is Live Person I am 27 years old I am in the process of rebuilding my credit. Currently myscore is 432 since 02/06. Most of the debt is student loans. I also have some unpaid bills. i wanted toknow how do i go about paying off these upaid bills,they total up to 1000 dollars. I do not know if i paythe creditor or to the breau.
----------------------
bureaus report what creditors send them only!
you must pay the creditors.
you need to get new current credit
go to my webpage and sign up for the orchard bank card where you pay 200 to get started. they report to bureaus. You will have paid off your debts and have a new gig going on....cool. you need to do that because no one will approve a 432 and you desperatly need new current credit.

lost my billfold with credit cards and drivers license

My 90 year old grandfather was in the hospital this weekend and lost his billfold which had everything in it. I need to report his Driver License # and his Social Security # so no one will be applying for credit cards etc. Who do I contact regarding this. I have called Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and no one can seem to help me....

-------------------------------------
Bo Majors

show details
Jan 2
http://www.oskie.com/free-letter/Credit-Fraud-Theft-Identity.htm
Do this first. I know you will have to do something about the Drivers License stuff. Get some utilities bills, marriage license, social security check or go right now to the drivers license testing center and get anew id to use. But HURRY. Mail this stuff next day air with confirmation receipt
Go to the locol police department and file a report. Say it was stolen. which it probably was since you don't have it. While he was sleeping or it was left somewhere and when he came back it was gone. No one helped and lost and found does not have any records. Use your copy to send along with this form.

Thanks for the free credit advice on your website

I just wanted to say thank you for your website. The content is helpful and easy to understand. I now have a starting point and guidelines to improve my credit that i didn't have last week or last year. So thank you. God Bless for giving some good free advice!

Third time I have contacted you regarding credit issues

Hi Bo,This is the third time that I have contacted you regarding credit issues. Thank you for allowing the opportunity to do so. I have yet again another question that I need to ask you regarding credit. Just to let you know that I am still fighting with HSBC regarding the error on their part. They are not willing to do anything about it, and I am still very upset . I wish this could be removed totally from my credit report. This is not showing up on my Transunion report, but is on Equifax and Experian. I contacted all the bureaus over 30 days ago and I have still not received anything back from them.The reason that I am contacting you this time is in regards to being a cosigner. I co-signed for a friend almost 4 years ago for her car. She has been making all of the payments. Unfortunately, I received a call that she is now 30 days past due on her payment, and I was asked for the payment since this (may)affects my credit also. What is funny about this whole situation is this account has NEVER shown up on my credit reports. Will this now show up on my credit report, and if so, is there someway to fight it since it was never on there for almost 4 years??Thanks,
--------------------------
The credit issuer may not routinely report. Especially if they are a high risk lender. Yes they can report even if they have never done so in the past. In fact they can even sue you for the balance if she were to default. This is why they ask for co signors. To have another body bag if needed.\n\n Sorry, but you better gets her ass in gear or pay yourself. ",

Bo Majors
show details
12/28/06
The credit issuer may not routinely report. Especially if they are a high risk lender. Yes they can report even if they have never done so in the past. In fact they can even sue you for the balance if she were to default. This is why they ask for co signors. To have another body bag if needed.
Sorry, but you better gets her ass in gear or pay yourself.

Need a home loan and my credit score is low. Raise my score fast

Hello Mr. Majors,

My name is Vernice and Iam trying to achieve another home loan. I sold my previous home last summer to get a fresh start on things after having a few months of financial difficulties.
My lender said with me having a couple of late mortgage payments that it would be better if I rented for about 6 months, pay off some bills and start fresh at the beginning of 2007. Here we are almost at the beginning of the new year, and my lender is saying that my middle score is around 536 because of the late payments. I got my credit report just yesterday and my scores were 567 609 and 609, how is a middle score determined???? Iam stumped on this. My lender says that I would need at least a 540 to seek out certain programs.

I really wish to stop renting and buy another home. My rent here is as much as a mortgage payment. Iam contacting the agencies in writing to dispute things that I do not know about on my report. They have me down for a few late payments and most of them are not so.

Can you please help me to understand this stuff???

thank you

------------------------------------
Bo Majors
to Vee
show details
12/27/06
So you do have all three reports. Each score reporesents one bureaus reprersentation of the credit reportesd to them. SO\nGo after the lower scores. My guess is your credit STINKS. 536 oh my gosh. You have not paid anyone. My suggestion would be to get a secured Orchard Bank Card here\nhttp://www.credit.com/r/problem_credit/af\u003dp39646&ag\u003d\nMaybe more as one needs at least 3 open lines of credit.\nIf you do not have all three reports and score in hand now get them here http://www.credit.com/r/truelink_fit/af/u003dp39646&ag\nread this page it is really that simple http://www.oskie.com/raise_credit_score_fast_quickly_free.htm So you do have all three reports. Each score reporesents one bureaus reprersentation of the credit reportesd to them. SO Go after the lower scores. My guess is your credit STINKS. 536 oh my gosh. You have not paid anyone. My suggestion would be to get a secured Orchard Bank Card here http://www.credit.com/r/problem_credit/af=p39646&ag=
Maybe more as one needs at least 3 open lines of credit.
If you do not have all three reports and score in hand now get them here
http://www.credit.com/r/truelink_fit/af=p39646&ag
read this page it is really that simple
http://www.oskie.com/raise_credit_score_fast_quickly_free.htm

repossessed and garnished

Hi, Mr. Majors,

My husband and I have had a very bad financial slump since 2001. It's not that I didn't want to pay my bills or get out of debt, I was unemployed for 4 years then finally got a temp job without uncertainty I've been on for almost 2 yrs. My husband can't seem to keep a job since then. Now, I just checked our credit today and we have judgements that were garnished in another county and they won't remove it from the original county. The 3 credit cards and 1 utility bill was just charged off today. I really don't know what I can do now I really don't have the money accept to pay off some small amounts on our credit by small payments. Our car was repossessed in 2002 and they garnished my husband in 2004 until he lost that job. We have judgements for at least 3 places of residents still on our credit too. I live in a hotel with 3 kids and can't get a place to live in. Will bankruptcy be too late or best at this time, to just start all over again? Please help me with any of your advice please.



Bo Majors
show details
12/26/06
Bankruptcy sounds like the best option from what I hear. I hope you don't have too many suits or liens prior to BK in that makes the BK not as helpful.

Sounds to me that more than anything you need a steady gig that works for you. I wonder if something else is happening inside this household other than job stuff. Is it bad job market or one can't hold a job long because of unsteady feet, or what?
- ----------------------
Hi, Mr. Majors,

My husband and I have had a very bad financial slump since 2001. It's not that I didn't want to pay my bills or get out of debt, I was unemployed for 4 years then finally got a temp job without uncertainty I've been on for almost 2 yrs. My husband can't seem to keep a job since then. Now, I just checked our credit today and we have judgements that were garnished in another county and they won't remove it from the original county. The 3 credit cards and 1 utility bill was just charged off today. I really don't know what I can do now I really don't have the money accept to pay off some small amounts on our credit by small payments. Our car was repossessed in 2002 and they garnished my husband in 2004 until he lost that job. We have judgements for at least 3 places of residents still on our credit too. I live in a hotel with 3 kids and can't get a place to live in. Will bankruptcy be too late or best at this time, to just start all over again? Please help me with any of your advice please.

---------------------
Jan 1
Thanks for your advice Bo, I've been thinking about this along time. I will go ahead and follow through while I still have a job. I need a fresh start because I'm tired of trying to figure out a way to pay them and pay for every day living expenses as well. It's too BIG of debts vs. too LITTLE paycheck. Oh yeah, my husband and I have study feet it's the job market ONLY. We will and do work. We've always paid our bills on time until we lost our good jobs in 2001 and 2002. We both are hard workers but just worked dead end jobs to support our family with whatever job came first.
--------------------------------
I would not gain all my advice from a Bk lawyer or trustee.\nGet some advice from a banker or money manager where you set everything out in front of them to make a good decision. You need some objective advice. Not just advice from a person that makes money from someone filing bankruptcy. \n\n Doing this will make you feel better about your decision AND will deflect some of the problematic self guilt asscociated with filing for BK.\n You are not your bank account.
---------------------------
Jan 1
I would not gain all my advice from a Bk lawyer or trustee.
Get some advice from a banker or money manager where you set everything out in front of them to make a good decision. You need some objective advice. Not just advice from a person that makes money from someone filing bankruptcy.
Doing this will make you feel better about your decision AND will deflect some of the problematic self guilt asscociated with filing for BK.
You are not your bank account.

What about a double credit found that is reported as a charge off

Good Afternoon, What about the double credit file that has been reported as a charge off, item sent to collection and add back to my credit report for different dollar amount?For example :Ford Motor Credit high balance account $30.921 charged off on 11/2002 bal $22,015 as a bad debt purchase by collection agency on 7/2006 @ $13.196 placed back on my credit report by collection agency. what is the best solution HELP HELP trying to repair my credit only have one line open credit and one charge off on my credit score 570....

Bo Majors
to REAL PERSON
show details
Dec 19 (2 days ago)
Well it would have been nice to have opened a couple of credit cards before the collection entry for 2006. I think it is criminal to re list with collections. What a company like ford has done is. Rather than take you to court for the balance and waste time and money on something that may prove fruitless anyway, they sell it to a collection agency for like 30% of balance and sign out. I would attack the ford motor balance and the way that is reported. I would also contact the BBB in your area and see if re dating your balance four years later is legal. You might even contact the Federal Trade Commission.
My guess is you had a car re possesed. Then they sold the car and said you had 22 left over. What did they seel your car for. You should only be liable for the difference between the sale price and the balance left. Not the enitre balance. There might be a loophole there that may or may not be legal. I would contact ford and find out abou that.

I assume the collection agency has contacted you and you do not think is is reasonable to pay.
- Show quoted text -
On 12/19/06, REAL PERSON wrote:
Good Afternoon, What about the double credit file that has been reported as a charge off, item sent to collection and add back to my credit report for different dollar amount?For example :Ford Motor Credit high balance account $30.921 charged off on 11/2002 bal $22,015 as a bad debt purchase by collection agency on 7/2006 @ $13.196 placed back on my credit report by collection agency. what is the best solution HELP HELP trying to repair my credit only have one line open credit and one charge off on my credit score 570....

REAL PERSON
to me
show details
Dec 19 (2 days ago)
Thanks for quick responses and this was repossession .I notice this when I pulled my credit report attempted to dispute item was informed debt from fors

If you have credit cards and have been late on them for 2 or 3 months, how do you go about repairing this damage ona credit report. Will these late payments stay on your report for 2-3 years even if you start making payments on time. How long must you make payments on time to start repairing some of the negative credit history?


Bo Majors
to Real Person
show details
Dec 19 (2 days ago)
After 2 years of perfect payments the damage will be almost completely undone.
- Show quoted text -
On 12/19/06, REAL PERSON wrote:
If you have credit cards and have been late on them for 2 or 3 months, how do you go about repairing this damage ona credit report. Will these late payments stay on your report for 2-3 years even if you start making payments on time. How long must you make payments on time to start repairing some of the negative credit history? --

What if I check my credit score on the internet and I see that my score is 556 on Experian, 545 on Equifax, and 550 on Trans Union. I know each credit score is going to be different from the 3 bereau's. But I had consulted with a credit counselor and they pull my credit score with my permission, and my score they pulled from Equifax was a 490, Experian 496, and Trans Union 493. And all of the credit scores are from the same month. Is the credit score on the internet acurate. Who is right and who is wrong? Thank you for reading my e-mail
----------------------

Bo Majors
to REAL PERSON
show details
Dec 19 (3 days ago)
The score will almost always be different between different bureaus. So the 556, 545, 550 look normal as do the credit counselors numbers.
The question would be the difference between the counselor and the internet.
First there is little chance the numbers are different be cuase one was pulled by you and one by the counselor. Report score can change dailt even.
One would have to look closely at the reports themselves. I would guess that some very small change happened. You might have charged past 80% on a credit line. You might be one day late with a creditor. You might have had your credit checked several times and the inquiries did not show up for a few days. One of the account could have gone from late to collections, charge off or another level of late like 90 days rather than 60 or 30.

With a 545 or a 490 a person is is dire straights. The difference in thos scores will not help you miuch. You need to work hard, pay off debts, dispute files and create new good credit.
http://www.oskie.com/raise_credit_score_fast_quickly_free.htm

Hope this helps

None of my credit credit shows up on my credit report

I do not show up on any of the credit reporting agencies. I have had an AmX card for over 1.5yrs, I have a checking and savings acct, I have two jobs that pay taxes, I file taxes every year. But, I do not show up on any agencies. When I called AmX they said - yeah you do not show up and we cannot report because you are not in systems
How can I fix that? Really having major issues because of this.

Bo Majors
to REAL PERSON
show details
Dec 10
Checking, savings, net worth, taxes, rent, utilities, rent to own, insurance payments 401k do not show up in credit reports.
Amex usually doesn't report because they have to be paid in full each month.

You need a credit card and 2 other open lines if credit with 12 months at each to establish a credit record.

I suggest starting here.
http://www.credit.com/r/problem_credit/af=p39646&ag=

Please help Equifax credit score changes

Paid for credit score,11-22-06 7.95 Told me 7-10day's, It's been 14-15 day's called phone number888-265-8792 out of service,need to talk to someone.Please HELP.EQUIFAX.

Bo Majors
to REAL PERSON
show details
Dec 5
Exactly which website did you pay for a score from.
Which bureau did you pay for a score. Equifax only I assume.

7.95 sounds like a credit report only.
Usually a score comes as a 5 dollar upgrade or free with 3-1 or credit monitoring. I have never seen a 7.95 charge for a score.

Did you expect to get this by mail, email or internet login?

My name is Bo Majors and I just help folks.
--------------------------
Yes Equifax. Yes regular mail. 7.95 is new price forSCORE only. Did by phone,I have confirmation number.
------------------------
Dec 5
You will have to work with them by phone I guess. They do have a online dispute form that may take your order number.
15 days is plenty long enough I think so I would be angry too.
I advocate people signing up for credit monitoring and getting all scores and reports. Then if thats all you want cancel it 2 days later and it's totally free. Or keep it for only "What?" 9.95 per month? and montitor any changes in the works that are SUPPOSED to happen. Either way it is way better than the deal with Equifax. Not to mention they are about the size and response time of a walrus on land.
Sorry I can not be of more help.
http://www.credit.com/r/truelink_fit/af=p39646&ag

Remova a Equifax Credit Flag. Freeze.

I went to alltell communication to purchase a cell phone, it was denied because they said Equifax has a flag / freeze on this account and they could not confirm my identity. I have called 15 different phone number, do you know how to contact someone to get this removed. So I can get on with life.Thank you for any help.
----------------------------------
BO Majors
to REAL PERSON
Dec 15 (6 days ago)
http://www.oskie.com/credit-dispute.htm
Use this form and mail your vitals and a 100 word or less explanation of your problem. Send them certified 2-3 day mail. About 5.00 each.
Wha La.
-----------------
-----------------
How d
How do we get a phone number, so we can call someone that is on our creditreport?Debt Recovery Solution/1984189 - Sprint LTDFirst American Investment/1985469 - Providian National bankMidland Credit Mgmt/3993328Patsy Harristhank you.


http://www.oskie.com/raise_credit_score_fast_quickly_free.htmo we get in touch with bureaus to report our credit
# 12

I was a 25 year old African American female with bad credit.

I wanted to say thank you. I was a 25 year old African American female with bad credit. I had the credit score of 533 and it was going down hill from there. I was just getting back from Iraq and I had gotten hurt pretty bad, and was about to get a medical discharge form the army. I knew that I would be getting disability but I had no Idea that it would take that long. I wasn’t worried about my credit cards because, I had insurance on them and before Iraq I had over a 700 credit score. Needless to say that it all changed because some of the creditors wouldn’t honor my insurance. “Sears” told me I needed to have been fired from my job. I told them that my enlistmement was up and I didn’t have a job. Sears stated that they couldn’t honor my insurance because I wasn’t fired form my job. In other words I should have stayed in) I was devastated I have had this account for a couple of year and was never late. I was paying my insurance on this account in case I didn’t have a job, and now they were telling me that they wouldn’t honor my insurance. I had almost died in Iraq from an IED protecting my country, and the only way for them to honor was if I had gotten firer. That credit score of a 700 plus went down to a 500 plus. One day I came across your website, which was very insightful. I disputed some and asked forgiveness on other, and to my surprise, one by one came off. The Sears account is the only one affecting my score because I was late twice but I managed to pay the account off. It hurts but I am still young enough to have learned from this mistake. My credit score is a 683 it’s not what it use to be but, it’s not where is use to be. Sincerely, much respect
Army girl
-----------------
Dang girl....you humble me....I really do care about people and I am so glad you are willing to get your hands dirty. Most people see my advice, read my advice, even understand my advice, but VERY FEW roll up their sleeves and get in the dirt. The only way to get better is to work and you owe yourself a HUGE pat on the back.
Thanks for the update.
Bo Majors
-----------------
Use my free dispute form to correct errors

Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

My name is REAL PERSON and I recently applied at I.B.C for a loan and it came back as I have a civil judgement in colorado as i have never been in colorado all i know is some one that i i think is my x-wife used my social security number so what can i do to get this problem taken care of my ssn is 555-13-7455 my addrress is P.O box 2413 fulton texas 78385 phone number 361-729-0128 cell is 361 463-1145 thank you
------------
Use my free dispute form to correct this error

Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

Hi Bo,

I am a recently divorced mom and I have just been contacted by a collection agency who claim that I owe $2000.00 on a Sears account from 1994.

I guess what I am trying to find out is can they still come after me after so many years? If so, can I offer them a smaller amount like 10%? Would this normally still be on my credit report?
----------------
Thats too long. Do not talk to them.
Contact the better business bureau.
Contact the FTC.
-------------
Use my free dispute form to correct this error

Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

On 11/7/06, REAL PERSON wrote:
Bo,
I have looked over your website prior to sending this e-mail. I need some advice, I'm rebuilding my credit and the loans that I have through my bank are only reporting to Equifax and not the other 2. My Equifax score is about 100 points higher than one of the other companies. I was told by my bank that they only report to Equifax and then I ask them why do they pull all 3 to determine if I can get a mortgage, they said well. How can I get that information over so that the scores will balance out and I can possibly get better rates. Also, one of my accounts are showing the amounts getting lower every month as I make my payments, but there is no payment history recorded???? Thanks for your time. - Randy
----------------------
Bo Majors wrote:
I would try to contact the other bureaus and see if you can submit information yourself. I need to look into that myself as you are one of many.
Most creditors only report to one bureau as it cost more money for each bureau. All super low interest rate mortgage companies get reports from all 3 bureaus as they have to have detailed documents as to why you get the low rates.

Not sure about the last thing. I would guess capital one or local finance company loan.

------------------
Thanks Bo! I'll monitor your site for futher information. - Randy
Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

I am paying bills and making money but my score is still low.

REAL PERSON
Bo,
I am finally making good money, and really never paid attention to my credit score in College. Now that I am finally done with what I wanted to accomplish I am stuck at a 541 credit score as of last week.

I was at a 479, so I have come up a little bit. What I am not understanding is I have paid off and been in touch with everything in collections. I have worked very hard at trying to get this up over the last 3 years.
I bought a brand new car, never have been late EVER on my car payments. I have lived in the same place for the last 2 years and NEVER late on Rent. The items that are left over are a collections in Boulder CO. and some other little bills. I had a student loan in default and was able to pull it out of that status as of November 2005. Now that I have done everything I could think of that was hurting my score I am still stuck.

I sent over to experience a final sheet 2 days ago, of the 2 items that have been paid, to see if they could take them off. I have read your site information and it is so helpful..

I just don't know what I am doing wrong and I really want this so bad. I just want to be one of those that has a credit score of even at least 651. Can you help, I have done everything I can and I am still stuck..
---------------
Is the car payment reported to bureaus?
Do you have any more new and current credit?
Do any of your credit entries say that you owe over 80% of your available balance.
Is any of your new or current credit local finance company credit?

Try to lower balances
Try to dispute with bureaus old or inaccurate accounts. Say not your account.
It is very hard to tell you what to do with out seeing your credit report.


------------------
Bo,
Thank you for responding, I have been so frustrated. I am going to answer your questions the best I can.


Is the car payment reported to bureaus? I am with Americredit, I know that they do. I have seen my statement and it says, never late and then the balance.
Do you have any more new and current credit? No that is the problem, in order to get a credit card you have to have a good credit score. Let me ask, I have been told by my credit union. That if I get a credit card about a 500 dollar balance, keep it always going, buy the little things gas etc... Pay it on time, and keep it at a 5 or 10 in balance that this would be the way to go? Your thoughts?

Do any of your credit entries say that you owe over 80% of your available balance. No

Is any of your new or current credit local finance company credit? I don't know if I am getting this question right, I have a local personal loan with my credit union. I have had 2 late payments, got the loan in 2005. Now I have not been late for 9 months now..

Try to dispute with bureaus old or inaccurate accounts. Say not your account. I just did a discrepancies report
and was mentioned to take a very Nieman Marcus account off. I have contacted their company and they said we will send the bill so you can pay it. They never do, I went to their location in Cherry Creek mall, and they have no record of me at all. So I mentioned for them to take it off.

I guess at this point I am just confused. If you look at my credit report everything that has gone to collections says paid in full and closed paid in full. There is one pending that I will have paid off next month. Its these little balances that have killed me like 200 there and 150 there. I got a premier bank card, a credit card that allowed me to use and then pay back, they were so horrible I closed the account and paid the whole thing off. If I could get away with even doing a Visa with a 500 limit that would be golden.

I so appreciate your help, again I really do not understand this crazy and strange system. And as time has gone by I have heard this is right and no that is wrong etc...
--------------
Just because it shows balances and payments on your statement do not "assume" that means they "REPORT TO BUREAUS".

You should do that with the credit card for sure. Pay for gas and pay extra each month to help your credit even more. Ask for a raise of you limit after 6 months and good pay time. The card has to be open for 12 months to get a rating on your report. Same with any loan. 12 months or no rating.

They cannot take something off they have no record of. So if you dispute the record it should fall off.

I assume you have a copy of your credit report. If not get one fast.
---------------------
Bo,
Thank you for the advise, do you know of a card that works with people who have bad credit.

I just need to make sure I do all of these steps. Yes I just ordered another one from my credit union, I have a loan with them already. I was asking for them to up the loan amount so I could take care of these last bills.
They turned me down and yes I forgot to add. I had a judgement, I have paid it off completely, the day the papers came to my door. How long does it take to get that off your credit, even though its paid.
--------------------
Seven years.
Send in some money with your application to get the credit card. It really looks bad to borrow money to pay bills or other loans. So never say that to a lender.
------------------------
Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

MEDICAL BILLS AND ABOUT $800 OR SO OWED TO UNSECURE DEBT

REAL PERSON to Bo Majors

HI BO MY NAME IS REAL PERSON, I NEED YOUR ADVICE. I DO NOT HAVE ANY CREDIT, BUT I DO HAVE ABOUT $2500 OWED TO MEDICAL BILLS AND ABOUT $800 OR SO OWED TO UNSECURE DEBT. MOST OF THESE ACCTS ARE FROM 1999-2002. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ME DISPUTING THEM OR PAYING? AND ALSO SOME OF THE MEDICAL BILLS ARE DUPLICATES, THEY WERE REPORTED BY THE PHYSICIAN AND THE COLLECTION AGENCY ON MY CREDIT REPORT.

HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--------------
I would try to call them first. Can't find them then dipute them. Can find them then try to work something out if you pay they take it off. Open up a credit card with some seed money and pay them regular like. Make sure the credit card reports to bureaus.
---------------
Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

trying to have loans paid as agreed, placed on my Transunion and Experian accounts

Hi Bo,

I am trying to have some loans, that were paid as agreed, placed on my Transunion and Experian accounts. However, my credit union only reports electronically to Equifax. When I call Transunion to see how my credit needs to go about reporting this information manually, they stated my credit union would have to subscribe to their service.

Please let me know if this is the only way.

Thx,
REAL PSERON
-----------------
For security. Without subscriptions your credit would be at risk for fraud
------------------
Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

I have been receiving phone calls from creditors, law firms, collection agencies,

REAL PERSON

Hello Mr Majors.

I have a unique and VERY frustrating problem I'd like to run by you.

I have been receiving phone calls from creditors, law firms, collection agencies, etc on and off for yrs now. These callers are searching for someone with the same last name as mine. I would usually just say no such person at this number and hang up. Recently, the calls began to come much more frequently.

A collection agency informed me today that they called me because---MY PHONE NUMBER IS LISTED ON HER CREDIT REPORTS!!

What recourse do I have?? I can't seem to reach a human at Experion. After insisting to speak to a supervisor three times at Trans Union, I was told to fax a letter explaining the circumstances and they would check their data bases to try to correct the matter (this phone call took over an hour). I have yet to try and contact TRW.

Do you have any ideas? Is there a more efficient, reasonable way to handle this?

Thank you,
REAL PERSON

Get all three of your credit reports so you know what is going on for godness sake.
Then use my dispute form to make the corrections you need. Instructions and addresses are on the dispute form.
Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

Actions to take to get my credit score up quickly

My name is REAL PERSON and I live in Pennsylvania.

I was on your website and I am hoping you can help me make some decisions as to what actions to take to get my credit score up quickly. Aside from the Collections and Derogatorys, I have other good tradelines that have been on time for the last 18 to 24 months. My three current credit cards are all at Zero balances. I am just finding it hard to decide which of the following to attack, and how to attack them. My current middle score is 608. It was 646 a few months ago, but I opened a no-interest-nopayment account for furniture purchase not realizing at the time that it would be looked at byu scoring models as a maxed out credit card. I am trying to pay this down fast but it started at $5400. I am down to $5000.

I have a few collection items as follows, all of which I paid off (settlement for less than full balance) after they went into collections. Can I get these removed or at least changed to a category that doesn't kill my score as much? I am under the impression that since they are listed under collections that they are still tanking my score. The Derogatorys follow the collections

the following information is pulled straight from my 11/22/06 credit report and the only changes made were XXing out the account numbers.
--------------
First keep the one good account you have roadloans open and in good standing.
I would possbily try to reopen one of the credit cards that were charged off. Send them money to do so ONLY if they open the account with the same account number.
Looks to me that you nees at least 2 more open credit lines to mask the past mistakes with new good decisions and track records. Looks to me like you are about 6- 12 months from a 700 score with a couple more accounts paid on time for at least 12 months current.
--------------------------
Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free

trans union credit report and I have two adverse accounts direct loans

REAL PERSON to Bo Majors

I received trans union credit report and I have two adverse accounts direct loans from university .At this time I'm in the process of consolidating them with a federal program and later I would fill out for forgiveness because I'm permanent and totally disabled .I have another that it said.Loan type-partly secured . Remarks - profit and loss writeoff .Pay status -charged off as bad debt balance 1,712. Estimated date be removed 07/2008 What sbould I do thanks for your help.
----------------
The last thing is not affecting your score much. So let it fall off.
Sounds like your on the right track on the university loans.
Raise your Credit Score Fast Quickly Free
Hope this helps
--------------------

What a great site! Thanks so much

Well, I am absolutely pissed at a car dealer at the moment. I'm a VP at a large corporation and should have walked away from this deal but I'll spare your the details and get right to the point. My Experian score pulled online via their CreditExpert tool is 735. I show up to the dealer, the same day, and they tell me my score is 690. They show me the report (not letting me review it of course but it was me, my address, bday, etc.) and tell me that it is based ONLY on Experian data. I show them my score and the paperwork. Anyway, it cost me $20 bucks a month. We had just sold my wife's vehicle and I didn't feel like dealing with starting over at another dealer, rental car blah blah blah. The dealer tried to tell me that "dealers" have a different algo that they use - the model is different and he's seen big differences like that before.

I think there is more to this.

Q. Have you ever heard of a 45 point difference between the "score" you can get online as a consumer and what a car dealership pulls up in their computers??
Q. Do you know if there is a way to "request a copy of the report and score used in connection with the transaction" even though it was approved? I know you can when you are denied credit.
Q. My sense is to take this up with Honda Finance and Experian, but possibly the Department of Consumer Affairs if the dealership fabricated the score but I have to get the reports. The dealer is acting above board, even inviting me to come in and look at the report for myself so I'm going to do that and compare it account by account with my 735 FICO version.

Thank you so much - and what a great site you have. SO much info and I just figured I'd toss this out since you seem to have a wealth of info on this topic....
--------------------
1. No they should be the same if they are checked the same day.
2. That snapshot of that day and time has gone. Unless the dealer has a copy, printed or saved, on the computer, then no.
3. I would do that for sure.
---------------

Hello,

I am 23 years old and am trying to clean up my messy credit to obtain a car loan within the next few months, and buy a house with the next few years. My middle score is 500 and I have no open credit lines. I had one bank card that was charged off 3 years ago and 3 store cards all charged off as well. All my accounts have been placed into collections, except my student loans and car loan which are current. Do you recommend that I negotiate with the collection agencies and try to settle the debts in exchange for deletion from my credit report? Any help would be appreciated, I don’t know where to start, I feel helpless in trying to rebuild. By the way, I have all the cash available to pay all my collections.

Thanks in advance for any advice
---------
Are the collections on your report? If so pay them if they will remove the data all together. Get a letter. Keep the loans open and pay them before 30 days elapse no matter what. Try to re open the bank card if they report to bureaus. The same account number. Tell them what you are trying to do and explain to them why you were not able to pay before and you plan to make it right.
--------------------
Thank you for the quick response. I have another question. Is it ok for the credit company to report a balance and a collection agency report the same balance? Also, do you have any other suggestions for me obtaining new credit? My only major card was charged off about 4 years ago and I am now going to pay it off, I don’t think they will reinstate my account. As far as negotiating to settle charged off accounts, do you suggest contacting the collection agencies, or credit companies directly?
----------------
They do it all the time so I guess it is ok. I do think it is double jeopordy. If one is reporting the other shouldnt. So try to get one off.
Try the collection agencies
------------------

Capital one is on my credit its 4 years old its showing a credit limit of $3800

Capital one is on my credit its 4 years old its showing a credit limit of $3800 even though my limit was only $500. Can that be disputed as inaccurate balance. What should I do negotiate or just let it stay on my credit its the only thing on it.
-------------
Is it a balance or a high credit limit.
If its a high credit limit with no balance leave it.
-----------------

how many points will your score go up after a Chapter 7 is removed

Hello Bo,
I appreciate your web site and you making yourself available to others.
I have a bankruptcy that is scheduled to drop off my credit report in Oct of 2007. Generally, how many points will your score go up after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is removed?
---------------
After seven years hardly any.
What's important is recent and current credit.
-------------

repossed car,$11,000.00, settlement of $6,000.00, charged off in 2002

Hello Bo,
I have paid off all my old debt with the exception of one bill. It is the balance from a repossed car,$11,000.00 is the difference left after they sold the car. They are reporting this amount on my credit report but they are willing to take a settlement of $6,000.00 to clear this out. The debt was charged off in 2002. And my credit report says that it is scheduled to come off my report in May of 2009. they are still calculating interest to the balance. Tell me what is the best way to handle this.
-------------------
Who are THEY
The original creditor or a collection company.
Does the account show as a charge off or uncollectable on your report from the original creditor?
-----------------
The original company is Americredit. And they have sent it to a collection company. I spoke with a supervisor at the collection company and he was nice enough to tell me that they are not going to report it to the credit bureaus. They have 90 days to collect and then it goes back to the original creditor.
This is the way it's reading on my credit report:
------------------
Once someting is charged off i do not think it can be sold.
Charged off means the Americredit showed a lower income or an expenditure which reduced a tax liability. I am not sure it is ok for a charged off account to be collected. I think I would contact the BBB or ask a lawyer or possibly consult an online forum that might have a lawyer who has experience with repos.

Still it is a debt and you should pay if you can. The problem with paying a collection agency on an account that is reported by the original creditor posses a problem. I do not see how paying a collection agency will change anything on your report as it stande right now. The collectiuon agency cannot report for Americredit. So you might pay and still your report shows you owe 11,000. You need more advice here I think.
------------------
Okay,
Thanks Bo
------------------

Bo,

We have several credit cards that are charging a very high interest rate. We had some financial difficulties and were late on some of them. We refinanced and paid off 3 of them but have some we are working on to get paid down. I have called some of them but they say they will not lower the interest rate until we have 6 months of on time payments. We are trying really hard to make payments to get the balance down but the interest is so high it is hard to get the balance down. How can we get them to lower the interest rate by even just 5%.
---------
The only thing you can do is swap cards.
I know I've done the same things. They never lower interest. They only raise it.
---------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

Some of the things that will change your scores are:
1.Late payments
2.Recent credit inquiries
3.Higher balances on your credit cards
4.Higher balance on your Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
5.Closing revolving accounts
6.Credit limits increased/lowered
-------------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

I have a question about the reporting agencies:

1 By law are they required to notify you when they place a negative mark on your account or is it the creditor supposed to do that prior to sending the agencies the negative mark?

2 Are the agencies required to get proof before they place a negative mark on your credit or do they just believe the creditor?

My situation is interesting: Transunion score is 612, Equifax is 601 and Experian is 785. I have 2 chargeoffs (settled for less) these are credit cards which bring my score down and they are about 3 years old.

Thank you
---------------------
Bureaus have a legal agreement with creditors. The creditors are indeed legitimate. The creditors are accountable. The creditors have regualation of how they can conduct themselves.

With this agreement bureaus take what creditors send them and adjust credit reports accordingly.

No one has to contact a consumer for negative or positive makrs although creditors usually do on negatives because they want you to pay them. This is why it is important to check your credit report.

Sounds tome like tansunion doesn't have some accounts on your report. those issing creditors probably do not report to tansunion.
-------------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

In September my credit score was 602 and look at my credit score on Monday and my score has drop to 592 and i have no late payments nothing new on my account. Please help me find an way to retrieved my points back and credit score.
----------------
http://www.oskie.com/raise_credit_score_fast_quickly_free.htm
check the 80% rule.
----------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

Me and my wife want to get a home and have bad credit... We both have about 5,OOO.oo in debt. I have nt paid my credit card accounts in 2yrs .. I think i want to settle my acounts will that repair my credit ? my credit score is about 580 and i need to raise it up alot to get a good apr on the home loan.. what should i do?
-----------------
You need to pay the debts for sure.
I doubt you will be able to secure LOW interest in the near future. That is the choice you made by not paying your debts.

Look for owner financing and learn from your mistakes.
----------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline--------

inquiries. I know they remain on your credit file for 2 years

Hi Bo,

Excellent site... I have a question regarding inquiries. I know they remain on your credit file for 2 years, but is there any way to dispute those and get them removed, paticularly ones from collection agencies?

Thanks!
---------------------
Collection agency's do not have authrization to make inquiries since you have not given them consent. I would confront the agency in question and suggest they remove not only the inquiry but the account also or face sanctions by the FTC. Make a copy of your report so the incedent will be recorded.
--------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

creditors when they are responsible for reporting my bankruptcy information

Quick question for you: I filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy last October 2005, Bank of America is just now updating my bankruptcy records and just submitted my charge-offs to the credit reporting agencies. I was in the process of purchasing a home and now my credit score dropped 25 points because of the delay in reporting my charge-offs from Bank of America now my score is too low to qualify for a decent mortgage loan. Therefore, my question is do I have any control of the creditors when they are responsible for reporting my bankruptcy information and can The three credit bureaus change my score because the charge-offs were suppose to be discharged a year ago?

Thanks for your time.
--------------------
I would try to have the report show the discharge as accurate and the date of last activity to match the dicharge date. Use my free dispute form.
-----------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

then they sold it again and a balance is showing $4,408 again

Good afternoon,

I have a question about my credit report. The last time I received my report was back in March and my credit score was 523 and now it's 573 because I have been slowly paying off a few things. It's concerning a car loan account that I had back in 1999 which I have now made arrangements to pay on. When I got this report it shows the amount of the loan which was $10,900 which shows it still open with this balance, but it was sent to collection which they lowered the amount to $4,408 which is open, then they sold it again and a balance is showing $4,408 again. Is this hurting my score since it is showing that I owe so much money, but actually all three are the same? Should I dispute that? Also do the creditors or the collection department report the payments that you are making after 6 months of paying them? If they do does this help your score to go up?. Thanks for your help.
-------------------------------
Dispute the 10900 as paid in full since it was sent to collections. Send documents where you have been contacted or something that can trace the origin. Then do the same with the first collection. Pay the last if possible asking for totall removal if you pay in full. Get something in writing.
Yes it is all hurting your score and these steps will help if you are able to complete them.
--------------------
This is great. Thank you so much for your prompt response. I will get right on it.
-------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

Home refinance paid 30 days late by new mortgage lender.

I am having a problem with my credit report, and the dealings with a certain creditor. It is my hope that you can help. Here is my story.

The first part of August this year, I was finishing the refinancing of my home through another bank. The current mortgage was through HSBC. Toward the end of my refinance, I telephoned HSBC to make them aware that the refinance was about complete, and they will receive payment in full soon after. I also made known to HSBC that the money from the refinance will most likely be in their hands AFTER the 30 day mark, and I asked if they please do not report me as delinquent. The Customer Service Representative from HSBC told me that since the loan would be paid off, the fact that it will be after 30 days it will not show up on my credit report as being late, since the loan would be paid off in full. The refinance was completed, and HSBC was paid off. Unfortunately, it showed up on my credit report as being 30 days past due. I contacted HSBC directly to have them address this situation, and I asked them to please remove the negative item on my credit report. They were very nasty to deal with, and I was told that the item would not be removed from my credit report, and will remain there for 7 years. I then explained to HSBC what their Customer Service Representative told me, and I was told that they do not remove anything from credit reports. I was basically called a liar.
I then disputed all 3 credit reporting agencies to no avail. I have since taken this a few steps further. I contacted the Ohio Attorney General, The Florida Attorney General, The Illinois Attorney General, and The BBB asking for assitance in getting this matter resolved. I was basically called a liar by HSBC, and I will not stand for it.

My question is, am I doing this the right way? and if not, what do you suggest that I do to get this information removed from my credit report?? I had "PERFECT" credit, but it is now ruined by the lie that was told to me by HSBC.
---------------------
I had the same thing happen to me on a re fi.
Turns out the ONE 30 day late mark had no "real" net effect after about 6 months.
Sounds to me like you done eveything one can do. I would let it go.

One thing you can do is write a 50 word max statement and send to the bureaus. Have it attached to your credit report as explanation. It will not help your score but will help potential creditors read your report.

How will using low rate credit cards affect my credit score/

Hi Bo,

Quick question for you. I'm wondering how much the following scenario would affect my credit score...

I'm an MBA grad with a great paying job (six figures) but I still have lots of student loans (38k in stafford at 4% and 15k at 8.5%). I just bought a house so I have those loans as well (225k at 6% and 57k at 8.5%). I also have a car loan (18k at 6.5%).

I'm pretty interested in getting rid of my high interest loans - especially my 8.5% student loan.

I have the opportunity to do a free balance transfer with AMEX blue for $20k for 3.99% for the life of the balance. I want to transfer my big student loan to the card at the lower rate, but didn't know how much that would affect my credit score if I decide I'd like to refinance my house, etc.

I know they're all loans and all I'm doing is just transferring to a lower interest rate, but I also thought that student loans don't count against your credit score like consumer debt and credit cards do. So basically, where I have never had any credit card debt, I'm taking on like $20k (even though they're loans I already had).

What are your thoughts on how that would affect my score? and how drastic the change would be?

I could also do a balance transfer from my 6.5% car loan to the 3.99% if that would be better on my score.

My current score - the last time I checked - was around 780.

Thanks for your thoughts Bo!

Cheers,
---------------------
The fine print says 3.99 on balance transfers only and all payments go toward balance transfer balances not any charges. So if you make charges you will be chraged regualr interest until you pay of the entire balance tranfer amount. So the catch on the balance transfers is that the card is shackled to the transfer until the balnce is paid off and you might make ONE late payment and bam your interest goes up.

Student loans do count as regualr debt. Who ever told you that is somewhat mistaken. If its on your report its on your report and counts in your score.

You score will be negatively affected IF you get up to 80% agaisnt high credit limit. That is all you need to worry about.

780????
You are a mega star. No worries here.
-------------------
got the AMEX Blue as a separate credit card for this exact purpose. I don't intend to make any purchases on the card, only to have the balance transfers (i.e., a 3.99% loan). I have a separate AMEX I use for everything else.

So if I don't use the AMEX Blue for anything else except the balance transfer, should I transfer the 8.5% student loan onto the card (there are no fees either).

Again, thanks for your help.
------------------
Oh yea fees. They usually do make one pay 3% balance transfer unless you do it as you apply. So if there are no fees and your not going over 80% and the rate is lower. Sounds all good
------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

Recently my credit union offered me a reverse loan, to help rebuild my credit,

My name is REAL PERSON and after being a single mom at age 17, i have managed to distroy my credit.
Here i am at age 30 trying to get back on my feet. When my husband and i had our daughter two months premature, we accumulated over $200,000 of medical bills, (she was in the NICU for almost two months, we had issues with our hmo) we filed for chapter 7. Currently, I have 6 collection agency account with balances of zero, and two auto loans that we surrendered the vehicles to when we filed bankruptcy as zero as well.
I havent applied for credit with the fear of being rejected and having another ding on my credit report.
Recently my credit union offered me a reverse loan, to help rebuild my credit, they put $5000 in my savings, and report im paying on time, and i make payments to my bank.
A friend of mine who is in the real estate business introduced me to the DELETION LETTER and recommended i try to use it.
My question to you is, should i contact the 6 collection agencys and the two auto loan companies to pay them the $1500 total i owe to them (even though they have zero'd out my balance because of the bankruptcy) and ask for them to delete the file. and if i do this will it help my credit score? or am i better off, using that $1500 to establish new credit? which will benefit me more.
I have tried to get a credit card and have been denied...they offer me a secured credit card....should i do that until i can raise my score enough?
My second question is on your website you mention in #7 that creditors may get nervous and pull you credit to see what they have done. That this is illegal. Im curious why this is illegal. I had a creditor to this to me and want to find out how to rectify it.
Anyway....thanks for your website, it has helped me alot... thanks for any response.
REAL PERSON
-----------------
1. The reverse loan sounds like a GRReat idea. Do that for sure.
2. I would suggest you use my free dispute form without making contact before. Hope something falls off. No collection or creditor is going to help you this far down the road on deleting credit files but they might not verify your dispute. Dispute 2 at a time and cross your fingers.
3. Get a secured card if they report to all 3 bureaus. Better yet get a unsecured card by sending a cashiers check in with you application.
4. Creditors can pull your credit if you authorize. If not they are in legal trouble.

Can I write to the collection agencies after an account has been paid and ask them to remove the account

First I would like to thank you for putting together your website. It has been very informative and helpful. Second, I do not understand one of your answers and I was hoping you might be able to clear that up. Ca I write to the collection agencies after an account has been paid and ask them to remove the account? This is in regards to:

What am I trying to get from the creditor when I ask them to remove a file?
I try as hard as I can to get a letter saying account is paid in full, paid on time and in good standing. I use this letter to follow up on the creditors’ decision to remove inaccurate and error riddled credit reports. Many collections are improperly reported or a consumer will not been properly informed collection processes have be allocated. With late payments I look for dated checks to support my "paid on time" claim or merged, fraud, duplicate or re dated files. Report these to the FTC and BBB

I had a very old credit card account and paid it off in February of this year.
-----------------
You can write. I would call though.
You have more bargaining power before you pay.
If the account is really old (more than 2 years) it is pobably not hurting you much.
On credit card accounts I suggest trying to re open that same account with a down payment and a phone call. If you can re open the account that is good.

My question would be what is your score?
------------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

collection agency said they would delete the collection completely OFF my 3 credit reports, providing I paid in full

Your site is so interesting, thank u for sharing, I dont even know where to begin but with your site, i know how to get started. I have a few debts to pay not many, but I live from check to check right now, I have 7 accounts in great standing/never late, Im trying to keep those up, the other debts r from the past. One is 89.00 (very affordable) but the others r so high!! they are like 2000.00 and 800.00. What do u suggest?
------------------
Hi, Im sorry, I threw so much at you at once yesterday ! , I do want to say this, I took one of your many great suggestions and put it to work yesterday, the collection agency said they would delete the collection completely OFF my 3 credit reports, providing I paid in full, ! YIPPIE,. Im so glad I stumbled across your site.
-------------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline

fraud alert on my account, denied for loan because of the fraud alert

Quoting LIVE HUMAN WITH CREDIT QUESTION
I just had a quick question. Recently I put a fraud alert on my account and know I want to remove it because I want to apply for a loan. I tried to apply for a loan once already and it was denied because of the fraud alert.
I have tried to call the numbers but I have not been able to get a hold of sometime. What should I do?
------------------
Write to the bureaus.
Fraud alerts usually mean they call you before they approve a loan. Turned
down is not what happens with fraud alerts. Something is fishy.
-------------------

credit card that is all paid off with a zero balance, is it good to close the account or keep it open

Quoting REAL PERSON WITH CREDIT QUESTIONS
Hi! Your website was very helpful. I was just wondering if I am not using a credit card that is all paid off with a zero balance, is it good to close the account or keep it open? How does this affect my score?
------------------
Depends on what OTHER credit you have.
If you have 3 currently active OTHER accounts then closing would be fine. If
not then I recommend you use the account.
-------------------
Totally free CREDIT REPORTS and Scores + toll free credit help hotline
Free Credit Dispute Form
Credit Help Tips
Credit Help Outline