Short term hit for long term gain?

[DSFA]

I'm trying to wrap my head around rebuilding now that I've got all of my credit reports. It's very interesting how the different CRA's view things differently, but I digress.

Current scores:

EX - 603

EQ - 613 (started at 622 but dropped due to an added recent medical collection and HP from Fingerhut)

TU - 635

I have a couple of baddies that are due to fall off this year as well as a couple of recent medical collections that I'm sending off PFD letters for today. There's an account that shows a few 30 day lates (two of which occurred after I traded the car in and should not have been reported, but I'll save that for another time) as well as a couple of paid charge off's I'm going to try to GW. 

On a side note, if the PFD's are not successful the first time, how many times should I try before I just go ahead and pay it? I can PIF for all of them. 

I've opened a fingerhut fresh start account and am waiting for my first shipment so I can start establishing a new TL. I took a hit on EQ for a hard pull for Fingerhut. Not sure why, but it is what it is.

I recevied my tax refund and am contemplating a secured card or two. If I understand what I've read in the forum, it looks like at least two cards (keeping one at a zero balance and one with no more than 9%) will raise scores. With my scores, can anyone recommend a good secured card? I have up to 1000.00 that I can use for a deposit. Will applying for a secured card cause a further hit (HP)? If so, is that something I should even worry about or is it worth it in the long run? A couple of short term inquiry hits vs. the longer term gain of new positive TLs. 

I am not planning any major purchases in the next few years, so I don't necessarily need to raise my scores quickly. My ultimate goal is to get to at least 750 but if that takes me a couple of years, I'm good with that. 

Am I on the right track?

[DSFA]

Bump

[Whitneyy]

Hello.

What about capital one for a secured card? I just got approved with them as well as the fingerhut, I figure since fingerhut has a balance, to NOT use my capital one card just yet. I also heard that the annual fee is charged up front, so I'll pay that so I'm at a 0 balance. Try it, you can put the whole 1,000 down if you like. 

[queen_britt2003]

I had scores lower than yours & was approved for a BOA secured card.  It was unsecured after a year.  I've read many accounts on here of people getting approved for the secured card & immediately calling in & asking that it be converted to the 123 Cash or Travel Rewards card.  There is a backdoor number on the credit card boards.

[TheGardner]

Unfortunately your recent CA activity on your reports is hurting you more than your scores. Join a CU or 2 and get secured cards that route. Don't worry about the inquiries to join. It will take at least 6 months of history on any new revolving accounts to really help you and by that time the inquires won't matter  (hurt the most for 6 months then 1yr etc).