There can be various methods that are generally used to establish credit history. They differ much, and sometimes people can be extremely creative when building their credit. But generally, those people who are going to start credit history, want to do this with minimum efforts. And one of these shortcuts to good credit is co-signing.
When it comes to co-signing, the only problem that comes into your mind is, where can I find a kind-hearted person who will let me enjoy all the privileges of good credit? At first glance, co-signing is nothing but piggybacking. However, when you take a closer look at co-signing, you will find lots of peculiar facts that will obviously make you think twice before ask someone to co-sign you for his or her credit account.
One of the definitions of co-signing says that this it's assuming responsibility for another person's loan if that person fails to do that. Sounds not so attractive, right? There is a myth in credit card industry concerning co-signing. It is believed that co-signing is no big deal and it won't do you any harm. Unfortunately, sometimes it may turn out to be a serious problem.
If your credit card history is good enough, one day someone may ask you to co-sign a loan. And just the other way round - if your credit rating is not so favorable and you want to establish a solid payment history, you may ask someone you trust to help you. No matter what your situation is, co-signing may result in a damaged credit report. That's how it may happen.
Let's assume your credit score is pretty high and you would like to help your kid to establish his/her credit history. Though it may be a good chance for your kid, or friend, or relative, there can be more problems than you expected.
First off, before co-signing, you'll be asked to guarantee the debt. What does it mean for you? If the borrower fails to pay his/her debt, you will have to pay it off, plus late fees and collection costs. Are you ready to accept this responsibility? And that is not the only question you'd better ask yourself before making up your mind.
If someone needs you to co-sign, make sure he or she is a reliable person. Even when it comes to relatives and kids, it can be a great burden for your credit rating. Do you really want your hard-earned credit score be affected? If you have some doubts about the person, you shouldn't be a volunteer.
Make sure you understand terms and conditions of the contract. You'd better negotiate these terms with the lender in order to clear up all the points. You may limit your liability to the principal balance only, excluding late credit charges and other costs.
Ask the lender to notify you in case the borrower misses the payment. It will give you some time to sort-out a problem and to deal with it. You can make back payments so that there's no need to pay the entire debt right at once.
All in all, co-signing is not as harmless as it seems. For some people, it's rather tough to be responsible for their own debts, but when it comes to someone else's debts, you may have no idea that you are liable to pay a round sum of money. So, think twice before co-sign someone.
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I co-signed for some guy, and he quit paying. The most awful thing about it is that my credit score went from 650 to 400.
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