Credit repair services and resources for Americans.

There are a few easy steps one can take to begin building a credit history.

1) Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards operate like regular credit cards, with one important different. A secured credit card is one that, literally, has been prepaid. Individuals can prepay $500, for example, then use the secured card to purchase up to $500 worth of goods. They can then replenish the card. This allows an individual to demonstrate a consistent, reliable, bill
payment history.

2) Credit from Local Merchants

Often, your local grocery store will provide you with a credit card, especially if they've known you for a period of time. Paying off the card in a timely, responsible fashion builds a solid bill payment history.

3) Co-signed Credit

Financial institutions will often provide credit to those who wouldn't normally qualify if they provide a co-signer for the credit provided. What this means is that a family member or friend who has a strong credit history agrees to pay your debts in the event that you don't. This again allows an individual to demonstrate a responsible, timely history of bill payment.

Many seniors have left all rent payments and bill payments in the hands of a spouse. Many young people shirk from having rental agreements or bills listed in their name. The key to building a credit history is to have your name affiliated with bills and rental payments, so that you can pay the money due at the right time, consistently over a period of time. This is the key to building a credit history.

Any person without a credit history and interested in building one should be acutely aware of some key issues involved with credit. The worst possible course of action is to assume financial responsibilities that one is unable to keep. Doing so will negatively impact your credit history, which is even worse than not having one. It is imperative when embarking on a course to build a credit history that you only take on what you can manage.

Readers are strongly encouraged to read through the credit resources page. These resources provide excellent information about different types of credit, the 'language of credit', the differences between credit agreements, and the concept of interest on credit. Before accessing credit of any sort, it is critically important that you understand exactly what credit is.