Trying to get that first bit of credit? Sometimes it can be difficult. When you don’t have a track record of handling credit, some companies aren’t willing to take a chance. Being in this position is frustrating. Why must you have credit to get credit? Why do you need a record of debt repayment before you can borrow money? Are there any creditors who will consider your job and salary, and take a chance on you?

Potential creditors count on the information kept by credit reporting agencies. These agencies are in business to keep track of what borrowers do. The main pieces of information they keep up with is how much credit is extended to a person, and how faithful the debtor is when it comes to repaying that debt. Building a credit history so you can be awarded that first real account means you have to build up some data in the system. Let’s take a look at six different ways you can start building your own good credit history.

First of all, open a savings account, a checking account or both. The fact that you have done so may or may not end up in your credit history. But it will demonstrate to potential lenders that you have some money and are on track for managing it well. Plus you can use your cancelled checks to show regular rent or utility payments. Nothing says reliability more than regular, on-time payments.

Second, see if you can get a department store credit card. Sometimes these are a little easier  to obtain than other charge cards. If you pay your bills on time, this will have a positive effect on your credit history.

Your third option would be to open a secured credit card account. Check with your bank about being able to put funds in an account and having them issue a card with a credit limit equal to the balance of that account. After several months of good credit management, they may release the funds on deposit. Or you may be able to open an account with another institution without the need for security.

The fourth step only applies if you have recently moved to your current location. You may be able to get a letter that summarizes your creditworthiness from businesses or agencies in your prior location. Of course with today’s computer networks, this might not matter very much.

Fifth, you might be able to have a good (a really good) friend or relative co-sign for credit. This happens quite often when people are just starting out and don’t have any credit history of their own.

Lastly, if you are denied credit, try to find out exactly why you were turned down. There may be some misunderstandings between you and the creditor. Or there may be some errors in your credit file.

When it comes to starting out your credit history, the law is on your side. The Fair Reporting Act establishes rules and guidelines that streamline the process of correcting your credit report. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act makes it easier for women to start their own financial identity and credit history.

Getting credit for the first time can be a little tricky. But if you are patient and willing to show your reliability and trustworthiness, you should eventually be successful.