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 12, 2011:
Improving credit score without credit card
Dear Experian,
How can you improve your credit score if you don't have any credit cards?
- HQB
Dear HQB,
When you use a credit card you decide how much to charge and how much to repay each month. Because you make those decisions, a credit card gives some additional insight into how you make independent credit management decisions and sound credit card management is often the best way to improve your scores.
However, you can build a good credit history that will be reflected in good credit scores, without a credit card. Consistently making on time payments on installment loans, such as a car loan, demonstrates that you are a reliable borrower.
A rich history of on-time installment loan payments will be reflected in good credit scores, even if you don’t have a credit card.
Thanks for asking.
- The "Ask Experian" team