[olePigeon]

Just so you guys don't make the same mistake I did. I've been trying to get a credit card (any card) and I kept getting denied. So I went to check out getting a free credit report to see what's going on. There're tons of places that do "free" credit reports, but you have to sign up for crap.

After I signed up for one to get an "instant" report, they're gonna mail me out (within 30 days) an access code. Of course, if I don't cancel my account within 30 days they're going to charge my debit card.

Anyway, here's a link to a real free credit report as directed from the IRS (I feel stupid for not going there first.)

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

They don't require credit card numbers or anything, no promotions, nothing; AND it really is instant. I went through Experia, but there're two others you can choose from.

I found out that I have an outstanding collection of $188 (not so bad) from a visit I made to Kaiser back when I thought I had health insurance. Kaiser never billed me where I was living, they never sent me a notice, they never called me, nothing. Kaiser says my health plan expired 3 days before I made the visit, even though I was still employed for the remainder of the month. Argh.

Anyway, apparently it's keeping me from getting any credit card. So I'm gonna pay it off next month. But it's nice to know.

Just thought I'd let everyone else know who's curious what their credit report is and to not get suckered into those "free" credit report scams.

[stevesnj]

FYI...everytime you apply for a credit card your reduce your credit score 5-10 points...so I suggest you stop trying for at least 90 days before you try again to apply for any credit. After the 90 days apply at Sears they seem to be the easiest card to get...or whenever you get a card charge on it and make at least 3 months consitant payments so you are seen as a reliable and are put in on your report as in good standing. Also what is your credit score? It the number in the 600 to 700 range and is different from the 3 major credit scorers. Experian, Equifax, TranUnion. That one small collection will not keep you from getting credit...a small collection like $188.00 that has minimal effect. Pay it off and have the creditor contact all 3 reporting agencies to reoprt that the account is paid...they have to its the law. Also if a family member has a credit card account they will let you get a secondary card in your name that will help also. As long as they keep their payments in good standing your credit score will be affected also if you have a card in your name. As far as credit reports go...you also get point score hits on it...it may be free but you still get 10 point hit everytime an inquiry is run.

[Big Mac]

I had a situation similar to yours concerning a health care charge. They attempted to bill me at the right street address - except for the fact that they recorded wrong city (one bordering mine) - so I never received the bill. The charge was promptly given over to collection, which I still didn't receive notice of, and yet it found its way on to my credit report. At first the collection agency claimed they would have to investigate the charge before deciding whether or not to notify the credit agencies, but persistent haranguing of their management paid off. My credit was already established so that was not my primary concern; I just refused to have a negative mark that was completely undeserved.