• What is consumer Credit?
• How do I establish Credit?
• How do I improve my existing Credit?
• How do I manage my Credit?
• Track your expenses

Improving Existing Credit
In order to improve your credit record, you need to become a model payer.  Use the following tips to make this happen:

Make payments on time
Late payments may count against you.

Talk with your creditors before missing a payment
You may be able to work out an alternate payment plan without harming your credit rating.

Avoid taking cash advances
They're often considered a sign that you have trouble living within your budget.

You can obtain a copy of your report from the credit bureau
When you find something wrong or misleading you have the right to challenge the accuracy of any item. Submit your written request to your local credit bureau. They will either investigate it and substantiate the item or will remove it from your file.

How lenders make credit decisions
When lenders consider whether to offer credit, they look at these three factors:

• Credit History:  How well you've paid debts in the past.
• Current obligations:  How much you currently earn and owe. Most lenders use a scoring system to rate you in each of the categories above. Your total points determine whether you will be offered credit, and may even determine the cost. But different lenders have different systems; so if you're turned down by one lender, don't be deterred from applying to another.
• Credit Bureau Reports:  lenders rely on credit reports from one of the credit bureaus that collect and sell this information. The two major bureaus in Canada are Equifax and TransUnion.