How to Get a Line of Credit With Bad Credit

There are times in life when a line of credit is critical. Whether you must pay emergency medical treatments or car repairs, a line of credit can help you. But for many people, low credit scores prevent lenders from extending credit to them. Fortunately, there are other options available.

Instructions

1

Request a free credit report to check your credit score. Review debts to find any mistakes that could decrease your ability to get a line of credit. Check open lines of credit for any accounts that have a zero balance and can be closed.

2

Seek a loan from a Web-based lender. Some Web-based lenders have more-relaxed requirements for obtaining a line of credit, according to "Entrepreneur" magazine. Your loan history will be reported to the major credit bureaus, so if you repay in a timely manner, your credit score will improve over time.

3

Apply for a secured credit card. According to Money Matters, lenders are more lenient with credit score requirements on secured credit cards. You will pay a deposit and borrow against your own money.