Got my credit report - lots of questions.

[lovesdogs]

I've been looking at my credit report (the 1st one I've seen in a long time; how awful is that?!?) and I have a list of questions.

Here goes:

There are 2 hard pulls but I'm only concerned about one. OSI Collections from June 2005 is scheduled to fall off in Junly 2007. Should I just let it go or do something about it now?

When I check freecreditreport.com, EQ has my current employer listed as one from 15 years ago, and my previous employer as one from 20 years ago. TU has my current one from 25 years ago. Again, should this be a concern?

freecreditreport.com also has my maiden name at the top of the screen where it states "this report is for _________" but it lists my maiden and married names in my personal section. Concern or not?

And now the biggie - I can't believe this myself, but Capital One is the ONLY thing bad that shows up on my credit report. But, that's not good either because I have no other credit at all. I'm guessing everything I used to have fell off because I cut up all of my credit cards years ago, closed the accounts and stopped using them when I went "cash only". Now I have to figure out a way to start building good credit in my name once I get this Crap One thing straightened out. Oy..........

Thanks guys.

[VonAngel (aka EarthAngel)]

OSI Collections from June 2005 is scheduled to fall off in Junly 2007. Should I just let it go or do something about it now?

It's over a year old. Let it be. Inquiries a year or more older don't ding your FICO scores.

When I check freecreditreport.com, EQ has my current employer listed as one from 15 years ago, and my previous employer as one from 20 years ago. TU has my current one from 25 years ago. Again, should this be a concern?

Only if you're trying to hide from the mob. Seriously, it's only important if you don't want pple to know your employment history.

freecreditreport.com also has my maiden name at the top of the screen where it states "this report is for _________" but it lists my maiden and married names in my personal section. Concern or not?

Once again, it's a matter of historical record. At some point, you have applied for or obtained credit using your maiden name. If you have any negative accounts that are under your maiden name, then you could possibly use that to your advantage by having the name removed from your report. If you dispute the TL, the data furnisher may not be able to verify since the names don't match. This is not a guarantee; it's just a dispute tactic.

And now the biggie - I can't believe this myself, but Capital One is the ONLY thing bad that shows up on my credit report. But, that's not good either because I have no other credit at all. I'm guessing everything I used to have fell off because I cut up all of my credit cards years ago, closed the accounts and stopped using them when I went "cash only". Now I have to figure out a way to start building good credit in my name once I get this Crap One thing straightened out. Oy..........

Spend some time in the "Obtaining Credit" forum. You can try for a Crown Jewelers account (they don't pull credit to approve) and/or get a secured CC to start building some credit. You also might want to think about becoming an AU on someone's account (if it's in good standing w/ positive history).

[lovesdogs]

It's over a year old. Let it be. Inquiries a year or more older don't ding your FICO scores. Only if you're trying to hide from the mob. Seriously, it's only important if you don't want pple to know your employment history.

Sounds good - I don't care who knows what about my employment history as it's all good.

Once again, it's a matter of historical record. At some point, you have applied for or obtained credit using your maiden name. If you have any negative accounts that are under your maiden name, then you could possibly use that to your advantage by having the name removed from your report. If you dispute the TL, the data furnisher may not be able to verify since the names don't match. This is not a guarantee; it's just a dispute tactic.

I had tons of credit, good and bad, in my maiden name so that makes sense. However, I received my EQ report in the mail today and it came in my maiden name. I've been maried for almost 10 years. Should I call them and have them correct it? Too bad the only thing I have showing on my CR is bad and it's in my married name.

Spend some time in the "Obtaining Credit" forum. You can try for a Crown Jewelers account (they don't pull credit to approve) and/or get a secured CC to start building some credit. You also might want to think about becoming an AU on someone's account (if it's in good standing w/ positive history).

I applied for this 15 minutes ago and was already approved for $1500. That was amazingly fast! Now to do some quick, cheap, shopping to get a good TL to show up soon. I'm also applying for a secured CC at my bank to start building some decent credit.

Thanks so much for your help.

[VonAngel (aka EarthAngel)]

I received my EQ report in the mail today and it came in my maiden name. I've been maried for almost 10 years. Should I call them and have them correct it?

Yes, you should. You wouldn't want that to be an issue when you start applying for new credit or loans. You'll need to send a letter requesting the change along w/ a copy of your driver's license, social security card, and a utility bill in your name (you may not need that though).

I applied for this 15 minutes ago and was already approved for $1500. That was amazingly fast! Now to do some quick, cheap, shopping to get a good TL to show up soon. I'm also applying for a secured CC at my bank to start building some decent credit.

Congrats to ya!! CJ and an Orchard secured were my first 2 TLs in my rebuilding journey...and look where I am now...(see signature below)

[LNY]

This is exactly why we advise against eschewing credit to go "cash-only." One day you wake up and find you no longer exist, and have to start from scratch.