Consumer credit is any form of loan given by some lending institution, usually a bank, to individuals for the purchase of consumer goods. Most people living in Mercer Island, Washington deal with at least one form of consumer credit every day: credit cards. In fact, credit cards are one of the biggest sources of consumer debt in the United States.
Why can't I Get Credit in Mercer Island, Washington?
If you are unable to get credit in Mercer Island, Washington, it may be because you have a bad credit score. In Mercer Island, Washington, credit scores are created by private corporations called "credit bureaus." These companies gather all the available financial information on a person (such as the amount of credit currently available to them, and its ratio to their debt) and use it to calculate a simple numerical score. This number gives would-be lenders an easy way to assess a person's risk as a borrower. It is not known to many individuals exactly how your credit score is calculated, because the formulas used by these companies are closely-guarded trade secrets.
Under federal law, you are legally entitled to see your credit report for free, once per year, which will let you view what factors are affecting your credit, and report any errors to the company. Many websites have been set up to give you easy access to this information. However, most of them require registration with a credit card, and will start charging you a monthly fee once your free trial period is up, unless you clearly opt out.
How Can I Improve My Credit Score in Mercer Island, Washington?
To make your credit rating better, there are a few simple things you can do. First of all, you should check your report for mistakes and report them to the credit bureau to be corrected. Also, it's good to show that you know how to use credit responsibly. For example, a person in Mercer Island with no credit history can rapidly build up a good credit rating by getting a credit card, making a few small purchases with it, and then paying the entire balance at the end of each billing cycle.
Credit reports are a tool for lenders to determine how risky it is to loan money to someone. Therefore, showing that you consistently pay your debts in a timely manner is the best way to maintain a good score.
How Can a Mercer Island, Washington Lawyer Help?
A good Attorney specializing in consumer bankruptcy or other consumer finance issues in Mercer Island, Washington can be instrumental in resolving consumer debt concerns. These issues can be complex and frustrating, and an Attorney can make the navigation of them much easier.