Establish
A Good Credit History
Many people ask how they can establish or re-establish their
credit history. This is an important
question because credit records are essential to obtain credit. The information on your credit report will be
used by potential creditors in determining if you are a good risk. You can help yourself establish a good credit
history by doing the following:
- Open a
checking account and start a savings account. Do not write checks unless the money is
in the account to cover them.
- Establish
a credit record with a department store by opening a charge account.
- Take
out an installment loan from your local bank and repay it per the
contractual agreement.
- If you
are offered an application for a credit card by a bank or department
store, take it. Credit may be more
difficult to get if you apply for it yourself.
- Get
credit from creditors who report to credit bureaus such as banks, savings
and loans, and
large department stores. Oil
companies, utility companies, small department stores, and
travel/entertainment card companies do not report to credit bureaus.
- Pay your bills by the due dates!