You didn't have "bad credit" you just had a thin file. Your score went up quickly because it was all positive indicators. I was in the same boat, never bothered

You didn't have "bad credit" you just had a thin file. Your score went up quickly because it was all positive indicators. I was in the same boat, never bothered with a credit card or took a car loan (bought used in cash), and my score was 500's. Couple years later and I'm just shy of 800 with 1 card (no annual fee) I barely use and have set for automatic payments through checking account.