After you have had your credit card for a few months, apply for  a small loan like an RRSP from a bank or purchase a computer or TV from a dealer for a couple thousand dollars using their credit company.  This loan will need to be paid back in a fixed payment agreement and is call an installment loan.  With both the revolving loan (credit card) and the installment loan (RRSP or computer) you now have a well rounded credit rating that starting to look good.   The final part is the length of  time you have had the credit for.

Because one of the factors lenders look at is the time you have had credit you will need about a year with these credit lines for a lender look favorably on your mortgage application.  the longer the better and the more credit the better (to a point).  Remember, keep your balance at or less than 35% of your credit limit and you will build that credit to where you will have an awesome rating 

Rebuilding Damaged Credit

Damaged credit will cost you higher interest rates or being declined for loans.  If you know you have past credit problems, one of the most important things is not ignore what has happened, or is happening. 

First thing to do is get a copy of your credit rating either by mail, phone or online; knowing what has been reported is crucial.  For accounts that have gone to collection you must settle those debts as they are reported as an unpaid collection and to get a mortgage, they must be paid off.  Accounts that are reporting as being over 30 days past due must be brought up to date and any balances that are over your credit limit must be brought down.  To correct your credit rating may take as long as a year but it will be worth it.

If you have lost all your credit you will need to start again with a secured credit card and then moving to a small bank or dealer loan (as discussed above).  Even if you have paid off all debt your credit report will keep any information reported for six years with student loans remaining for ten years.  This will make getting loans more difficult but as time goes on those accounts will not hold as much weight and then will be removed from your credit rating while the new credit will be improving the rating. 

Click here to apply for a Home Trust Secured Visa Card to start rebuilding your credit.

Be careful when dealing with any company that promises to repair your credit quickly or loans that promise to help rebuild your credit.  To repair your credit takes time and effort but there are people out there that prey on individuals who don't know where to turn and promise the easy way out. Think and ask questions before signing anything.

There is no real cookie cutter situation when it comes to a persons credit and the best way to put a plan to repair or build your credit rating is to talk with a professional.  A mortgage broker will have knowledge and contacts to help you understand and increase your credit situation.  

Keeping your good credit rating

Credit ratings fluctuate every time you buy something, pay down a balance open or close an account.  Almost like a living thing it needs to be taken care of.  The following are some tips that will help you keep a good credit rating:

1. Keep your balances low - your score will drop with higher balances

2.  Pay your bills on time - the longer you don't pay the lower your score will go

3. Don't seek credit - the more credit checks the lower the score