I have had a secured card through my bank for 2 years now. Within the last year I have also acquired 2 retail cards. And I've also been added to a family member's card (over 750 score) as an authorized user. I kept all below the 30% utilization when used and they're all paid in full way before they're even due, never once late. Overall My credit has definitely improved but my payment history didn't improve until 'Cyberdon AT techie DOT com' performed his credit repair magic on my profile and improved my payment history within a month. Now I have the best credit history, Thanks.