moakes

Actually, I just got the info to my question.  One of the last 2 collections that I paid off sent to the 3 credit agencies for me and my credit score went up 12 points on March 1st.

Thanks. Yes, I am waiting to get something in writing. I left a message on the rep's voicemail at the agency reminding her that I have not received this letter in writing and that I will only pay it off in full if she can provide that for me.

Thanks!

Yes, but I did not ask the agency to remove it. It is something she brought up as "incentive" to pay it off. I did not even know it was something they could do until she presented me with the possibility.

I thought credit is joint once you are married. I have heard about many people getting their credit screwed because of a spouse's spending/credit habits. In our case, we want to reestablish and improve it.

I am assuming you sent a check to the collection agency. If so, why don't you fax a copy of the cashed check and/or bank records to the credit bureaus?

That's weird because I got approved for a $1000 Sears Card with less than your credit score.