Very useful advice. Many thanks. But I've noticed that no matter how good my FICO score(It's 800+)...if my income is too low...I won't get the loan. Catch 22. Can't get a home loan. I'm stuck renting until I create more income. I started from a secured credit card and then qualified for an unsecured credit card after 2 years. And having a long term checking account is a major plus. I was denied an unsecured credit card at every other bank that I didn't have a savings/checking account. Only US Bank(banked with them for over 10 years) offered me an amazing limit and interest rate(12% per annum). And also, if you have derogatory credit...if it's over 2 years old...it's not a deal breaker. Good luck!