 TITLE: Can People With Excellent Credit Be Denied? CONTENT: What's Your Next Step?\n----------------------\nBeing declined doesn't mean you'll never be able to borrow money or open a credit card again. The best way to improve your chance of approval is to make sure you understand and address the reason you were denied.\nDepending on your circumstances, you may want to take one of the following steps:\n*   **Search for a different creditor.** Not all creditors have the same requirements for approval. Shopping around might help you find other, more flexible lenders. But be cautious. If you don't address the reason for past denials, you may only be approved for credit with high interest rates or restrictive terms.\n*   **Find a cosigner.** Having a cosigner can help your chances of being approved next time you apply. A cosigner doesn't need to have excellent credit, but they do have to take on a big responsibility. This includes being fully responsible for your debt payments if you stop paying.\n*   **Give it time.** If your debt-to-income ratio is high or you're facing other financial difficulties, you might need some time to address the problem. Solutions could include saving cash instead of using a loan for your purchase or taking on a temporary side job.\n*   **Get outside assistance.** If you're already having difficulties paying your debt, a new loan or credit card might not be the best solution. Instead, try asking your creditors for help. In some cases, they may be willing to reduce your payments or your interest rate if it helps you stay current on the account. If creditors can't offer the help you need, reach out to an approved credit counselor to explore all of your options. Together you can determine the best plan for managing your debt. END