Credit Card Woes.

[Mendoza]

Seems I have no luck with credit cards or banks.

About 6 years ago i had to settle credit card debt that got sold off from cards a family member used with my name.  Being young and stupid i just paid up and didn't try to get it put down as fraud.

Flashforward about a year ago and i try to get a credit card, never having actually had one knowingly, and I get stone walled by just about everyone.  The only card i can get is an awfull little one from my bank (one of the major bailout takers by the way).  500 limit, 60 anual fee, and a nice 28.9 apr. 

They tell me in 9 months you can have it looked at for upgrade.  That statement later turns to a full year.  The year up i ask again and am told i have to apply for a new card.  So i do, stone walled again.  The only negative thing on my credit is that old card account from nearly six years ago.  I put in over a year on thier crap card never spending even half the credit limit and paying on time and in full.  I never caried a balance, and used the card every single month.

Should i even bother with them anymore?

Try a different bank?  Try one of those dept cards like best buy or amazon?

I need something other than this piece of junk.

I also love the fact that when i asked them today how long before I could hope to get considered for a legit card, their answer "7 years of revolving credit"

Shoot me!

[Lady Macbeth]

I don't have any advice (the only credit card I have ever had is the crappy bank card with the $500 limit...but that kept me from getting in trouble in college, when a lot of other kids racked up tons of debt) but man, that sucks.

I wouldn't bother with the bank anymore. Go for a major credit card company; I think they would be more forgiving. Especially since it's been a while with the stolen card thing.

Your family member's a bastard, by the way.

[marka]

You might try a secured credit card ... or a retail card (Best Buy, whatever).

Maybe these links would help?

http://www.bad-credit-advisor.com/secured-credit-card.html

http://www.bad-credit-advisor.com/reestablish-credit.html

http://www.smartcreditinfo.com/easysteps.html

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I've got a friend whose brother took out a card in my friend's name and then screwed around with it. But my friend already had credit cards with his own history. It's awful when a family member does something like that. As LM said, bastard.  

[Amethyst]

>I never caried a balance, and used the card every single month.

Right there is your problem, you did not establish a credit history with the card.  By paying off the balance every month, there is no record of established credit.

You would have been better off to charge say $100... then pay the minimum amount until it was paid off, thus establishing your ability to pay off the credit card over a period of time.

Depending on what type of credit card you need, you can go from there... and even department store cards would help establish credit.  A secure visa would also help to establish your credit... more so than the bank one...

[Mendoza]

So by not paying my card i show that im going to pay?  All that does is give them lots of money.  I know thier a business, but that wouldn't do me any good.

I was told when they gave me the card the best thing to do was to pay it off each month.  That was exactly what the bank told me to do.  Its also the advice that most of the major credit advice websites give.  

Also with the apr that high it would be insane to keep a balance.

My apr is as high as some peoples default rate.

I think the most frustrating thing is that nothing i do seems to matter unless its a loan or a credit card.

Ive never been late with my rent, never bounced a check, never been late on a utility, or anything like that, but apparently that means nothing.

I can see now why people get discouraged and go to places like rent a center.  Though all that does is get you violated in a different way.

I think i might try a discover card or a department card like the best buy card.  I think it can only be used at best buy, but everything you buy on it is "90 days same as cash".  I guess as long as i pay it off monthly im showing i have credit.

OH thanks for the websites and advice guys.  I appreciate it.