Have credit in your birth name (Mary Smith), your first and your spouses last name (Mary Jones), or your first name and a combined last name (Mary Smith-Jones).
Get credit without a cosigner, if you meet the creditors standards.
Have a cosigner other than your husband or wife, if one is necessary.
Keep your own accounts after you change your name, marital status, reach a certain age, or retire, unless the creditor has evidence that youre not willing or able to pay.
Know whether your application was accepted or rejected within 30 days of filing a complete application.
Know why your application was rejected. The creditor must give you a notice that tells you either the specific reasons for your rejection or your right to learn the reasons if you ask within 60 days.
Acceptable reasons include: “Your income was low,” or “You havent been employed long enough.” Unacceptable reasons are: “You didnt meet our minimum standards,” or “You didnt receive enough points on our credit-scoring system.” Indefinite and vague reasons are illegal, so ask the creditor to be specific.
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