Creditors look for ways to help them predict your future credit behavior. They want to:

• Understand their financial risk if they decide to give you credit
• Make good business decisions on each application for credit

Your Credit Information
+
Your Creditor's Judgment
=
Your Credit Approval or Denial

Each creditor decides how much risk it can afford, and bases its final credit decision on:

• Your overall credit picture
• The amount of credit you are requesting
• Details of the transaction
• Such as the cost of the vehicle and how much money you are putting down

Weak Credit on Your Own? A Co-Signer May Help

A creditor may allow you to have a co-signer (such as a spouse or parent) sign the finance contract with you in order to make up any credit weakness.

• The creditor will evaluate your co-signer's and your creditworthiness both individually and combined
• This may be necessary for you to obtain the credit you are applying for
• Note: A co-signer needs to know that he/she assumes equal responsibility for the contract, and the account history can be reflected on the co-signer's credit history as well