 TITLE: What Is a Bad Credit History and Rating? CONTENT: Consequences of a Bad Credit History and Rating\n-----------------------------------------------\nIndividuals with good credit enjoy many advantages, but if you have a poor credit history and rating, lenders may be reluctant to do business with you. That means:\n*   It may be difficult for you to get loans and credit cards.\n*   If you can get a loan or credit card, you'll likely be offered a relatively small loan amount or spending limit, and you may have to pay a relatively high interest rate. That could cost you hundreds, thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan, depending on the amount you're borrowing.\n*   When securing equipment such as cellphones or cable modem, or even renting a car or apartment, poor credit could mean you'll have to pay extra fees or put down security deposits that aren't required of borrowers with more favorable credit.\n*   Poor credit can mean you pay higher car insurance premiums than you'd receive if your credit were better. END