Getting credit can seem a bit confusing – lenders often want a proven credit history before they’ll lend to you, but without anyone lending to you, you’re kind of stuck going around in circles. If you’re looking for credit, but are just getting started with your credit history, here are some tips of how you can make it easier for yourself.

1. Start Building Up your Credit Score Before You Really Need it
If you know you will to want to borrow money in future, such as for a home loan in the next few years, it’s always better to building up your credit score well before you need it. You can start small, getting a modest credit card and using it for regular payments and paying it off before you’re charged interest. If you wait until you need to borrow money to worry about your credit score, you might find your options are very limited.

2. Use a Credit Broker
If you’ve already exhausted other options or simply want something that can give you money quickly, a credit broker might be the right solution for an urgent loan. Credit brokers work by matching your loan needs up with providers who may have less strict requirements, helping you get money quickly when you really need it. Growing Power, for example, are a credit broker that can help get money in your account today in the form of “same day” loans. This is a great option if you’re in a pinch for cash for something urgent, such as a car repair or unforeseen medical expense.

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3. A Secured Loan with a Guarantor
If you have an asset or someone prepared to act as a guarantor, then a secured loan might be something you consider too. This can be a lengthy process, and generally makes more sense for bigger purchase items such as a home loan or a car loan. The amount of paperwork required generally doesn’t make sense for smaller, short term loans. If your credit history isn’t the best, you’re probably going to have to ask someone to be your guarantor, basically stating that they’ll take over responsibility of the loan if you’re unable to make payments for whatever reason.

Borrowing money can be a great way to build up a credit score and as long as you keep on top of repayments, you can avoid paying interest. It can also be a lifeline to get out of a tricky, unforeseen financial situation. If you’ve been declined for credit in the past, now is the time to keep improving your credit score so the next time you need it you’ll have a better outcome.