|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In my previous article "Establishing Credit ? What You Need To Know Part 1" I discussed the need for a good credit history and what lenders were looking for prior to loaning an individual money or additional funds based on their credit history. This article will go into the necessary steps someone needs to take in order to initially establish their credit history.
The first and easiest step is to show any potential lenders that you actually know how to handle money. This can be easily achieved by opening either a savings or checking account (opening both would be better) in your name. As you successfully use these accounts you will prove to a lender that you can handle money and are ready for the increased responsibility that comes with having additional credit.
Another means of establishing credit actually involves borrowing funds and then paying them back over time without any late payments. Although this method to establishing a good credit history is quicker and very effective when compared to the long drawn out procedure of making withdraws and transfers to your savings/checking account it comes with the drawback of the cost associated with obtaining the loan in the first place. If you're having trouble obtaining a loan but still wish to use this method to establish your credit history then seek out a friend or relative with known good credit and have them cosign on a loan for you. Remember this is asking a lot from that individual so please don't abuse the trust they put into your ability to repay the loan on time and without problems.
Other popular methods of establishing credit include applying for credit cards or department store cards. Again, although this method is very effective for establishing credit (provided you make your payments on time) it could be costly if you start to carry a balance on these cards. Always check to see that there is no annual fee and make sure you are aware of the financial charges imposed against you if you should decide to carry a balance on any card you have. Obviously the best plan is to always pay your balance off in full each and every month. This allows you to build your credit history and avoid being buried under a mountain of high interest debt.
A word of caution ? identity theft and credit theft is a very real and dangerous problem in today's society so you want to make sure you do everything you can to protect your newly established credit history. Always make sure to secure your credit cards and never let anyone obtain your personal identification number (PIN). If you have numerous credit cards avoid carrying them all at once. Instead just carry the card you normally use and file the rest away in a safe place. Always make sure to keep information such as contact numbers and account numbers of the cards you have been issued. This will help you if you ever lose or have a card stolen.
If you find that you have lost a card or had it stolen simply contact the company that issued the card and report your situation. If the card hasn't been used prior to your reporting it lost or stolen then you're relieved of any future financial liabilities against the card. If it has been used prior to your reporting then you may be held accountable for up to $50. Finally, always be cautious about who you give your account number to and remember to keep all receipts and records that are associated with that particular card.
Establishing a good credit history isn't that difficult if you start small and work your way up. It will take some time but if you do it right it will definitely pay off in the future and allow you the opportunity to obtain credit for the items you really want to purchase or may really need.
Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Debt-Relief-Solutions.com He provides more debt relief, consolidation and free credit counseling information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.
Chances are you've gotten your share of offers like this... Read More
For those of us who know how to use them... Read More
Congress passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act several years ago... Read More
There are times when you may be turned down for... Read More
You're interested in getting the best credit cards for your... Read More
For people with a spotty credit history or bad credit,... Read More
Credit cards have both benefits and drawbacks. It is wise... Read More
Here, Cratchet, what do you think you're doing?Uh, er, leaving... Read More
INTEREST BEWARE, THERE'S SAFETY IN NUMBERS!Note: The following is part... Read More
Credit score is one of the most basic, determining factor... Read More
2005 marks the year that consumers will be able to... Read More
Your credit rating / credit score is based upon how... Read More
You can still save money on a Bad Credit Loan... Read More
There's only one way to discover the "health" of your... Read More
Congratulations college freshman! You're about to embark on one of... Read More
What is trade credit?One of the major differences between consumer... Read More
If you are one of the millions of people out... Read More
TURBO-CHARGED KILLER RATE SAVING INFORMATION!Let's just take a brief moment... Read More
There are three major factors that affect how much you... Read More
If you have a bad credit rating, then you might... Read More
These five debt negotiation facts along with a few debt... Read More
Credit cards can be a very quick way of getting... Read More
Always shop around to get the best deal when choosing... Read More
Even if you have heard of a credit report, you... Read More
In 2003, Congress passed the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions... Read More
The articles and tips provided on this site are intended... Read More
There are a lot of questions about using credit cards.... Read More
Finance is a big word for some of us. It's... Read More
There are not many of us who do not have... Read More
Credit Worthiness is an important business and personal asset each... Read More
If gold medals were awarded for marketing consistency, the credit... Read More
Just as there are too many credit card companies to... Read More
Credit Score FactorsThe information contained on our credit reports affect... Read More
Sometimes life lands you in a situation that causes your... Read More
Let's face it, having credit is no longer a choice.... Read More
Your credit score can either haunt you or reward you.... Read More
A good credit history is critically important for the consumer.... Read More
Have your read your credit card contract through completely? Do... Read More
When you are deciding what type of credit card to... Read More
By far the greatest invention the banks have ever come... Read More
Parents have the full responsibility for their children and their... Read More
With all my bills who would possibly want my credit?... Read More
A check can be considered bad if it is bogus... Read More
There are many evils associated with credit cards, but there... Read More
About Search Entries:Every time a lender checks your credit history... Read More
Most businesses want to be able to borrow money when... Read More
Debt management programs can be of real help for people... Read More
In this week's article, I am going to offer some... Read More
For years, major credit card companies have allowed cardholders to... Read More
Credit scores are the most important aspect that determines your... Read More
Credit |