ESL Podcast 923 – Having Bad Credit

site

ouvir

Audio Index: Slow dialog: 1:09 Explanations: 2:58 Fast dialog: 14:26

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. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse