Broadly defined, consumer credit is any type of loan given to individuals in order to buy consumer goods. Most people in The Woodlands, Texas probably deal with consumer credit every day in the form of credit cards.
Why can't I Get Credit in The Woodlands, Texas?
If you're having trouble getting credit in The Woodlands, Texas the most likely explanation is that you have no credit history, or a poor credit score. Credit scores in The Woodlands, Texas are compiled by private companies known as "credit bureaus." These companies gather all the available information about a person's finances, and then assign them a numerical score, which provides a quick assessment of the risk they represent to a lender. The exact formulas that these companies use to generate credit scores are closely-guarded trade secrets.
Under U.S. law, you have a right to view your own credit report once a year, for free (you can, of course, view it more times than that, but you'll likely have to pay a credit bureau. You should be cautious, however. Many websites claim to offer "free" credit reports, but require a credit card number in order to register. If you do not clearly cancel your membership (which can usually only be done over the phone, and not online), they will start charging you a monthly fee.
How Can I Improve My Credit Score in The Woodlands, Texas?
To improve your credit, there are various things you can do. First of all, you should report any errors you see on your credit report to the credit bureau. These companies sometimes make mistakes, and some of them can seriously damage your credit score. It will also help to show that you can use credit responsibly. For example, if you have little to no credit history in The Woodlands, and want to quickly build a positive credit rating, you can get a credit card, and make a few very small purchases with it each month. Make sure you don't run up a balance that you can't immediately pay off in full, and at the end of each month, pay the entire balance.
Because credit reports are usually meant to make it easier for potential lenders to assess your risk as a borrower, showing that you pay back your debts in a timely manner can go a long way in creating a good credit score.
How Can a The Woodlands, Texas Lawyer Help?
A good Lawyer in The Woodlands, Texas can be extremely useful in helping you resolve any consumer credit issue, such as bankruptcy, or getting errors removed from your report if the credit bureau is being difficult.