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Credit Advice
Topics addressed on December 10, 2009:
Being a cosigner can help build your credit
Dear Experian,
I currently have no credit. Not bad credit, no credit. I am interested in purchasing a new vehicle and a family member has offered to cosign. However, we've been offered zero percent interest because of her excellent credit but only if she's the primary and I cosign. If we do this and I am the one who makes the payments monthly, will me being the cosigner give a positive effect and establish my credit?
- SSL
Dear SSL,
The primary loan holder and cosigner share equal responsibility for the debt, and the loan will appear on both your credit report and hers. As a result, it will help you build a credit history.
Because the account and how it is paid will appear on both of your credit reports, it is essential that you make all of the payments on time. Any late payments will hurt both you and her.
When someone agrees to share responsibility for a loan with you, they are taking a financial risk. They are putting great trust in you to be responsible in making the payments. Be sure to thank your family member for taking a chance to help you, and be certain to make sure you don’t let her down in paying back the debt.
Thanks for asking.
- The "Ask Experian" team