We recommend checking services like Credit Karma, requesting your credit history, and signing up for credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus as one of the first steps in applying for a loan. Your credit score depends on several factors, including your current income, history of making timely payments for existing loans, whether you’re currently enrolled in debt forgiveness programs, the ratio of “good debt” to “bad debt,” how long you’ve had a credit history and your bank account history. If you find incorrect information in your credit history, you have the right to appeal it and request your score be corrected. This can help you improve your credit score. However, just because your credit history is less than ideal doesn’t mean you can’t get a loan. When you submit an application, our initial check is known as a “soft” credit inquiry that does not impact your credit score. Individual lenders may run a hard credit check, which will impact your score, which is why it’s essential to know what your credit report contains