 TITLE: How to Qualify for New Credit with No Credit Score CONTENT: Why Don't I Have a Credit Score?\n--------------------------------\nA person may not have a credit score for many reasons, but usually, it's the result of having a \"thin credit file.\" A thin credit file means having very few—typically four or fewer—credit accounts listed on a credit report. Banks and other lenders can't calculate a credit score from a thin file because there is not enough information in a user's credit history to do so. You might have a thin file if you are young and haven't established any credit, or if you recently moved to the United States from another country.\nAnother reason you may not have a credit score is that there is not much activity on your credit reports. Maybe you haven't applied for any new credit for a long time, or you have haven't used any of your credit cards in more than six months. Most credit scoring models pay attention to recent or current credit activity, so be sure to use your cards once in a while, even if you're just charging a small amount and paying it off right away. (And remember, debit card activity is not reported on your credit reports.)\nNot having a credit score can lock you out of traditional, low-cost credit products and other financial resources. Without these options, many feel that their only choice is to turn to payday loans, car title loans or rent-to-own businesses, which can trap them in a cycle of high-cost debt. Here's the good news: It is possible to be approved for new credit without a credit score. END