Daily English 923 - Having Bad Credit

Complete Lesson

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Dialogue/Story

Slow Speed begins at: 1:09
Explanation begins at: 2:58
Normal Speed begins at: 14:26

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Alisha: This is the second time I’ve been turned down for a credit card in a month. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.

James: Have you checked your credit report recently? Maybe you have a bad credit rating.

Alisha: I have a full-time job with a good income, which they can easily verify, and I don’t have any outstanding debt, so what could be the problem?

James: Have you had a credit card before?

Alisha: Yes.

James: Did you always make your payments on time?

Alisha: Well, no.

James: Then that may be your answer. Your payment history makes a big difference with the credit bureau. If you’ve missed payments or been late, that’s a big strike against you.

Alisha: You mean if I were late a few times, I wouldn’t be able to get another credit card?

James: A few times? How many times?

Alisha: Well, maybe a lot of times.

James: And why do you need another credit card if you already have one?

Alisha: Had one, past tense. The credit card company cancelled it.

James: Ah ha, I think we’ve just found the crux of the problem.

Category: Money