Your Credit Matters
Part I
A Special Introduction on this "dangerous" subject.
Larry Burkett used to say that no single principle from God's Word has been more commonly violated that that of credit. Few Christians understand the balance that the Bible requires in borrowing, lending, charging, and interest. Remember, credit cards are not "good" or "bad." However, how you choose to use credit, including credit cards, can be either pleasing or displeasing to God. So, be careful.
Our family uses a credit card. However, we have three rules.
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• First, we only buy what is on our budget.
• We pay the card in full each month.
• If we ever find we can't pay the whole bill in a single month, we will stop using the card.
A credit card can be more convenient to use and carry than cash, and it offers valuable consumer protections under federal law. At the same time, it's a big responsibility. If you don't use it carefully, you may owe more than you can repay, damage your credit rating and create credit problems for yourself that can be difficult to fix.
Chances are your mail is full of offers from credit card issuers. How do you know if the time is right for a credit card? Here is some important information that may help you determine whether you're ready for plastic, what to look for when you select a company to do business with, and how to use your credit card responsibly.
This Special Report will cover the following topics.
• Qualifying for a credit card
• Establish a Credit History
• If Your Application is Denied
• Get the Best Deal
• Kinds of Credit Accounts
• Protect Your Credit
• You're Responsible
• Federal Protections
• For More Information
Please note that this guide was designed primarily for a U.S. audience. While many of the general topic areas may be relevant in other parts of the world, specific details are U.S. based.
Qualifying for a Credit Card
If you're at least 18 years old and have a regular source of income, you're well on your way to qualifying for a card. But despite the invitations from card issuers, you'll still have to demonstrate that you're a good risk before they grant you credit. The proof is in your credit record. If you've financed a car loan or other purchase, you probably have a record at a credit agency (CRA) (The most common type of CRA is the credit bureau). This credit history shows how responsible you've been in paying your bills and helps the credit card issuer decide how much credit to extend.
Before you submit a credit application, get a copy of your report to make sure it's accurate. Contact the credit bureaus listed in the telephone directory under "credit" or "credit rating and reporting." Because more than one credit bureau may have a file on you, call each until you locate all the agencies maintaining your file. The three major credit bureaus are:
• Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com
• Experian (formerly TRW)
P.O. Box 949
Allen, TX 75013-0949
1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
www.experian.com
• Trans Union
P.O. Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064-03090
1-800-916-8800
www.tuc.com
Anyone who takes action against you in response to a report supplied by a CRA – such as denying your application for credit – must give you the name, address and telephone number of the credit bureau that provided the report.
Establish a Good Credit History
Suppose you haven't financed a car loan, a computer, or some other major purchase. How do you begin to establish credit? First, consider applying for a credit card issued by a local store and use it responsibly. Ask they report to a credit bureau. If they do – and if you pay your bills on time – you'll establish a good credit history.
Second, consider a secured credit card. It requires that you open and maintain a bank account or other asset account at a financial institution as security for your line of credit. Your credit line will be a percentage of your deposit, typically from 50 to 100 percent. Application and processing fees are not uncommon for secured credit cards. In addition, secured credit cards usually carry higher interest rates than traditional nonsecured cards.
Third, consider asking someone with an established credit history -- perhaps a relative -- to co-sign the account if you don't qualify for credit on your own. The co-signer promises to pay your debts if you don't. You'll want to repay any debt promptly so you can build a credit history and apply for credit in the future on your own.
A positive credit history is an asset, not only when you apply for a credit card, but also when you apply for a job or insurance, or when you want to finance a car or a home.
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Bob Louder is the Founder and President of Christian Financial Ministries (www.good-steward.org). Bob is also the author of the new best selling book, "Debt Free Living God's Way," available only on the Internet (www.debtfreelivinggodsway.org). Since 1987 Bob has helped people in hundreds of churches all across the country and in the European military community learn, understand, apply and pass on "Debt Free Living God's Way" principles and practical applications. He has represented some of the top Christian financial authors and ministries to include Larry Burkett, Dave Ramsey, Christian Financial Concepts, and Crown Ministries.
Copyright 2006 Christian Financial Ministries, Inc., All Rights Reserved. You may reprint this "Special Report" in whole or in part without permission from Christian Financial Ministries, Inc. Please credit material used to Christian Financial Ministries, Inc.
