 TITLE: What to Do if Your Personal Credit Line Is Closed CONTENT: Options When a Personal Line of Credit Is Closed\n------------------------------------------------\nFortunately, closure of a personal line of credit doesn't dry up the availability of credit. If a bank has shut down your personal line of credit, take a look at:\n*   **Getting your credit in shape:** If you're concerned about how an account closure might affect your credit score—and your ability to take out a personal loan, auto loan or mortgage, for instance—you might want to work on boosting your score. One way to do this is by decreasing the balances on your other credit accounts while not taking on more debt. This can lead to a lower credit utilization ratio, which in turn can help your credit score and can open up more borrowing opportunities.\n*   **Finding another lender:** If you've got a good credit score, a lender may be eager to let you open a personal line of credit. This could let you still enjoy the borrowing flexibility you're seeking without much disruption. Another flexible option may be the Upgrade Visa® Card with Cash Rewards, which provides access to credit you repay in fixed installments.\n*   **Applying for a personal loan:** A personal loan may be able to fill the borrowing gap left by the closure of a personal line of credit. Keep in mind, though, that unlike a personal line of credit, a personal loan provides a fixed amount of money upfront, starts charging interest right away and requires fixed payments over a fixed period of time.\n*   **Obtaining a new credit card:** A credit card also may be a viable alternative to a personal loan of credit. Remember that credit cards typically come with higher interest rates than you'd get from a personal line of credit, but 0% intro APR offers are available. As you're shopping for a credit card, be sure to check out Experian CreditMatch™, which can pair you with a credit card suitable for your needs. END