How do you get started building a credit history?
A good place to start is with your bank. If you have a savings account and have been regularly putting money into it, the bank may be inclined to give you a credit card with a small balance to start. You may also approach a small community bank or local credit union. Be honest and forthright, explaining your situation, either you have no credit, or bad credit. Request a “secured credit card” and open a savings or checking account there with a debit card. If you are refused, ask what steps you need to take to get both types of cards. For a secured credit card, you will have to make a deposit equal to the amount of your credit limit. Offer to have automatic deduction from the bank account to pay for your purchases. After a period of time, 6 months to a year, you can request that the funds securing the cards be released and its’ status changed to a regular credit card. Can anyone get a copy of your credit report? No.
I recommend approaching a small community bank or local credit union. Be honest and forthright, explaining your situation, either you have no credit, or bad credit. Request a “secured credit card” and open a savings or checking account there with a debit card. If you are refused, ask what steps you need to take to get both types of cards. For a secured credit card, you will have to make a deposit equal to the amount of your credit limit. Offer to have automatic deduction from the bank account to pay for your purchases. After a period of time, 6 months to a year, you can request that the funds securing the cards be released and its’ status changed to a regular credit card. On your first attempt to get a loan or credit card, you may face a common frustration: you don’t have a credit history. Some creditors will look only at your salary and job and the other financial information that you put on the application. But most also want to know about your track record in handling money, specifi
