Do you have a question about consumer credit? You may find an immediate answer by using the search engine. If you can't find what you're looking for, please fill out the form, being as specific as possible.
Please note: The Ask Experian team cannot respond to each question individually. However, if your question is of interest to a wide audience of consumers, the Experian team will include it in a future column.
Our policies
The information contained in this column if for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.
You should consult your own attorney or seek specific advice from a legal professional regarding
your particular situation.
Please understand that Experian policies change over time. Column responses reflect Experian policy at the time of writing. While maintained for your information, archived responses may not reflect current Experian policy.
Credit Advice
Topics addressed on October 14, 2009:
Reestablishing credit when your spouse dies
Dear Experian,
I don't have any credit. I never had to buy anything. I was married at a very young age and my husband did all the buying. What do I do now?
- NEK
Dear NEK,
I’m assuming from your email that your husband has passed away. If so, it can be difficult to reestablish a credit history. Having lost your husband after a long, and I hope happy, marriage you are faced with starting over. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to speed the process.
You will need to establish credit in your name. Contact the creditors who held your husband’s accounts and see if they will transfer the account to your name. If you really have no credit history, you may need to show proof of your assets.
It may also be helpful to start with your bank or a retailer with whom you and your husband have a long-term financial relationship. You may need to start with a secured credit card through your bank where you have savings to guarantee the debt.
The key is to have a credit account opened in your name. Once you’ve done that, you will have established a credit history. As that history grows, you should be able to qualify for additional credit as you need it.
Best wishes and thanks for asking.
- The "Ask Experian" team