Thread: Need credit building advice . . . please read

Hello to all,

I am a 28 year old male who has lived abroad for most of my adult life. Since my return, about a year ago i have been trying to build credit. Thus far this is what i have done. The first two i have done in the past 45 days.

1. Got a secured loan from citibank. I have had a checking account there for past 3 years in good standing.
2. Applied for a bloomingdales card. I didnt really need this, but read it can be helpful. Initially i got rejected, letter in the mail claimed they could not verify my address. I therefore mailed them copy of my bank statement and was told i would be approved shortly.
3. Not sure this helps, but i have a family plan under my name with At&t. I have kept this account in good standing.

My plan for the next weeks/months is to do some of the following.

1. open another checking account at another bank and get another secured loan.
2. Apply for a secured credit card through citibank. Citibank has told me that after 12 months of good standing it will become a regular credit card. My question is, does the card start reporting while it is still secured, gradually building credit, or is there no effect until 12 months pass?
3. Apply for other store cards, perhaps bestbuy or something.

I would highly appreciate if someone could comment on my plan, whether it is smart or not. Also, is there an obvious credit building method i am missing, if so please point me in the right direction and i will read up. Any other tips or tricks would be VERY appreciated.

I really want to build my credit and am a pretty responsible person. I want to thank the forum members cause the little i know i have learnt it all from here.

Thanks in advance,
Nick