In
American society credit history is of extreme importance. Your credit
history is linked to your social security number. Your credit history
is a condensed data sheet of your loans, your repayment, whether you
pay on time etc.
To
get a loan you must have a good credit history. To acquire a good
credit history you must have a repayment history of a loan. This is a
typical problem that is difficult to come out of.
You
may start establishing a credit history by opening a savings account
and a checking account. Maintain this account without any check
bouncing. Bank account transactions show how you manage your money.
However, a bank account does not assure you of getting a loan. The
lenders would look whether your utility bills or other apartment
bills in your name are paid in time.
Your
employment history can also be taken into account by creditors. If
you have a steady job with a good pay this can also be considered as
an advantage to get a loan. If you have stayed in a residence
continuously for a good period of time, this also is considered to be
a positive point by creditors.
If
you have managed to get a vehicle loan and have repaid without
defaulting you build a good credit history fast. Often, people take
loans to maintain a good credit record. You may also opt for a
co-signer with good credit history to sign your application for
credit card. However, if you default on the payment, the co-signer
will be in trouble.
Store
cards are another option before you are accepted by creditors. Gas
stations, departmental stores and local stores are all a good bet.
Maintain a good record on these cards by paying them off completely
every month. Some of these cards are not reported to credit bureau.
It is advisable to check if the card you are opting is reported to
credit bureaus. It is a wasted effort if you
are trying to build a credit history with unreported cards.
After
establishing your record with these stores your chances of being
accepted by creditors improve tremendously.
After
establishing credit history by using these store cards etc, you may
apply for the actual credit cards. You may first approach your bank
where you have already established a record with your banking
transactions.
Often
you are approached by credit card companies asking to apply. This
does not ensure their approval. Do not try to apply for too many
cards at one time. Rejections by creditors also matter to building
credit history.
Getting
credit cards or loans to build credit history is only the first step.
The actual part begins once you start using these facilities. To have
a good credit history you must follow certain simple rules.
Once
you do get credit cards you should:
-
Keep
Credit card details secure
-
Make
payments on time
-
Close
the account if you have discontinued a card
-
Pay
more than the minimum due
-
Keep
a track of your payments and credit rating
-
Always
spend l3ess than you can afford
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