As to getting anything removed by simply disputing it, that is a myth, only un validated information can be removed from ones credit report.

As to why your are being turned down, the creditor is required by law to send you written documentation of why the declined your application and who they used to determine your credit rating. This also falls under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This would indicate what your problem is then you should try to resolve the issue that is causing the rejection. It could just be due to the current credit crisis.
You can download a free book at the link I have provided in the source section regarding the FCRA and your rights.

Here is a link to the FTC on how to properly file a dispute with the credit reporting agencies and how to get your credit reports for free.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre21.shtm

You can also use this link to find ways to improve your score by yourself and save money
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre13.shtm

Hope this helps answer your question.

When you missed a few payment what does it show on the report, 30 days, 60 days, 90?

A few lates are NOT going to hurt you in obtaining new cards. You might not get the top of the line reward card but you will not need a secured card unless you went 60-90 days or allowed it to charge off.

People will bankruptcies, foreclosures and other negatives get cards all the time.

There are companies who will give you a new start, it might not be the best but it will get your credit rolling again.

DO NOT apply all over the place, the inquiries hurt your score 8-12 points and to many will keep you from getting anything.

If you paid off that card does it show a 0 balance?

Another thing that is absolutely false, you can have anything removed from your credit report if you do it the right way, many do it all the time.

Whoever is reporting it must be 100% accurate, being true means nothing. If it is NOT accurate it must be fixed or removed and in many cases they will remove it instead of fixing it. Especially if it is more then 1 year old.

I know someone who has over 50 negatives removed from their credit report and their score was in the 300s and is now in the 700′s.

Its called credit repair and can be done with some work.

http://www.badcreditloansfaq.com

The new credit file is definitely fraud.

The best credit repair kit I’ve seen is from http://howtofixyourcreditscore.info and it comes with step by step instructions for ways you can try to raise your credit score. I used the sample letters to negotiate some debt settlements, and dispute some things on my credit report, and it worked great!

Everything a lawyer can do for you for credit repair, you can do for yourself and save lots of money in the process.

If you’re really in deep though, consider setting up a budget and maybe talking to a consumer credit counselor(from a non-profit org… they’ll help you out with debt settlement)

By debt consilidtion program I do NOT mean debt consolidation loan.,..those are bad and don’t help you at all. Debt consilidtion programs negotiate with your creditors for a lower interest rate, your monthly payments will usually be cut in half.

On a debt consolidation program your credit will improve within a year or 2, bankruptcy on the other hand will ruin your credit for 10 years.

They will teach you how to negotiate, settle, dispute, reduce rates, make payments, and do the pay on delete correctly.
Four hours with a good book could save you thousands and get you on your way to very good credit.

Honestly – I can’t think of any better situation than yours to go run and get a book.
Don’t pay anyone anything.
This stuff is common knowldege that is all on books.

If you get in a serious bind and can’t read there are non-profit companies that will help you at no cost.
Google ” NFCC.org
Reviews call them angels.
You call the 800 number on the website and make an appointment at a local office.
They will be honest and tell you if bankruptcy is your only option.
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One can recover from bankruptcy, but it should be a last resort option. The only way to “fix” your credit is to pay off what you owe and challenge anything on your report that is not correct.

If you can manage it, try to negotiate pay for delete agreements with your creditors. This is where you agree to pay the debt in full in return for them deleting the derogatory information. Make sure you get this agreement in writing before you pay.