It can be surprising how many people don't have a credit history. There are actually quite a few older consumers without a very strong credit history. They may have never had any credit in their names. Many wives find that their credit has always been maintained through their husbands. When they apply for something on their own, they have no history.
Students, young people, newly single women and many older Americans may find that they are in need of a credit history. Or perhaps you have already established credit, but it is less than stellar. What should you do?
You can't get credit if you haven't had credit, but you can't get it without it! Wow. How do you get around that?
There are a few ways. The best way is to simply apply for a small loan or line of credit from your local bank. Make sure that they will report the information to the credit bureau.
You can also secure a store credit card. These cards do come with a little higher interest rates than other credit cards, but are a good way to build your credit. You can often only use the card in one or two different stores.
To be approved for a credit card, you have to be over 18 and have a job. Cards can be fairly easy to get, you simply have to look for the best interest rate. You do need to use it to show you can handle credit, but you must pay the entire bill each month. This shows that you are financially stable and responsible.
If you find that your credit isn't improving much over time, you could consider finding some other ways to get your mortgage. You could try to find a larger down payment. This will often show the lender that you have more at stake, and would not default on the loan.
If you don't have a checking account, it is time to open one. Checking and Savings accounts both look well to lenders. But you must be sure that you don't overdraw your bank account. Bouncing checks shout that you can't manage your money and may default on your debts.
It is a good idea to start thinking like a lender. You have to show a well thought out financial plan over an extended period of time. If you apply for eight credit cards in three months for the free stuff, lenders will only see that you are desperate to find credit. They may also see that other lenders don't want to lend to you, so why should they.
It is possible to establish a credit history, it simply takes time. Don't believe anyone who says that they can quickly get you a good credit score or history. It isn't true. It just takes time, paying your bills on time and making wise credit decisions.
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