I'm trying to build up my credit and I need help! I am 22 years old. I don't have anyone to co-sign for me on any type of loan. I have never had a loan, signed a lease, etc. I pay my friend rent and her name is on the lease because I don't have credit. I have never had a credit card or anything like that. I have paid off 2 large medical bills. One went to collections first (due to a mix up with the billing dept. at the hospital) and I paid it off through the collection agency. The other I made small payments on and paid off over 4 years. I use the VISA debit cards that you don't have to get a credit check for. My question is how do I build my credit up without co-signers? All my friends have had their parents co-sign for something to build their credit. Thanks for you time and help! :)

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Originally Posted by peggyhill

I'm trying to build up my credit and I need help! I am 22 years old. I don't have anyone to co-sign for me on any type of loan. I have never had a loan, signed a lease, etc. I pay my friend rent and her name is on the lease because I don't have credit. I have never had a credit card or anything like that. I have paid off 2 large medical bills. One went to collections first (due to a mix up with the billing dept. at the hospital) and I paid it off through the collection agency. The other I made small payments on and paid off over 4 years. I use the VISA debit cards that you don't have to get a credit check for. My question is how do I build my credit up without co-signers? All my friends have had their parents co-sign for something to build their credit. Thanks for you time and help! :)

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I have a suggestion that might work. Credit Unions are more open to people than banks and a credit union is a good way to begin your credit rating. Once you open an account and accumulate some capital 100 or so dollars should be enough. Get a conference with a credit union person in those little offices they have and get a small loan for something you need, like a car or lap top for school. Bottom line, credit unions are a good place to begin your credit history. Good luck!