How to Establish & Maintain Good Credit

First of all, if you have not yet established a credit history you should start to. After all obtaining and maintaining a good credit profile is the key to purchasing that new home, car, or any other type of loan. The only thing credit grantors know about you when applying for credit is your overall credit worthiness.

Start establishing credit by trying to obtain credit from department stores, credit unions and your local bank. When applying, also find out if these credit grantors report to one of the three major credit bureau's (Experian, Equifax, Trans Union) so that you may begin to build a credit history with them. 

If you are having a hard time obtaining credit, you can get a "secured" credit card. This is guaranteed to you as long as you make a deposit with the issuing card company. You can also apply for a small loan and ask a relative or friend to co-sign.