I am moving towards a better credit rating and all that (recalling that I pretty much lost it all in the recession, not getting a job, foreclosure, and related bankruptcy). So the BK has been paid off for a year, my apartment complex is reporting our rental payments to credit bureaus, my cell phone bill is also reported and always on time. Meanwhile I have an older car with some hail damage and I may need to rent a car at some time to get repairs done, plus I do worry about emergency. I have money saved in a credit union but I have to go there if I need it, and a second checking account that I keep around $50 in, just in case I lose my debit card or something.
I think I need to know my credit score. My bank and credit union both have decent cards but I am nervous to see my credit score. Otherwise there are the 'rebuild your credit' cards. I think I am doing better than that at least. There is a deal at my credit union, if you get a financial check up then you get a free annual parks pass! That may be my best first step. Any pitfalls to avoid that you guys know of in getting a credit card after many years without one?