 TITLE: How to Qualify for a Loan When You’re New to Credit CONTENT: Check Your Credit Before Applying for a Loan\n--------------------------------------------\nEven if you've never taken out a loan before, it's still a good idea to check your credit score and your credit report before you apply. If someone has stolen your personal information and opened fraudulent accounts in your name, you may need to deal with that before you try to borrow money.\nIf all is well, though, you may simply get a message that you don't have enough credit report information to calculate a credit score, and you can start to address that.\nIdeally, you'll have some lead time before you need to borrow, which will give you more runway to establish your credit. As you work to build your credit over time, regularly check your credit score before you apply to ensure that you're making progress, and take note of how it lines up with the lender's requirements. END