by: Michael Saunders

Don't be fooled by the come-ons. According to the Federal Trade Commission - you see the advertisements in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet. You hear them on the radio. You get fliers in the mail. You may even get calls from telemarketers offering credit repair services. They all make the same claims:

* Credit problems? No problem!

* We can erase your bad credit — 100% guaranteed.

* Create a new credit identity — legally.

* We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever!

Do yourself a favor and save some money, too. Don't believe these promises. Only time, a conscious effort, and a personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit report.

Don't let the condition of your credit report stop you from gettting the credit that you need and deserve.

Many people who have had serious financial problems misused or overused their credit cards. The following tips will help you when you apply for credit cards or an increased credit limit:

1. Be consistent with the name you use. Use your middle initial always or never. Always use your generation (Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.).

2.Take advantage of pre-approved credit for department store, gasoline, and bank cards. If your credit is shot, you may not have the luxury of shopping around.

3. Be honest, but appear sympathetic. Lenders are especially apt to ignore past credit problems that were out of your control - such as a job layoff or illness.

4. Bolster your credit application. Don't lie, but don't denigrate yourself, either. For example, if you're an administrative assistant, don't put "clerk/typist" for your job title. Also, if you are married and your spouse has excellent credit, apply jointly or at least indicate on the credit application that you are married.

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8 Solid Tips When Applying For Credit Cards
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