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If you've never had your own credit card (in your name), it can be difficult to get a car loan or credit card. Having no credit history can be as much of a problem as having a bad credit history. Students, other young people, and newly divorced or widowed women who have always obtained credit jointly with their husbands often find themselves in this situation.

It a vicious circle: you can't get credit because you've never had credit, but you've never had credit because you can't get credit. What's a person to do?

Don't despair. Here are a few tips to help you establish credit in your own name.

~ The best way to establish a credit history is to apply for a small loan or line of credit from your local bank or a credit card from a local department store. Ask whether they report to a credit bureau. If they don't, having the card or loan won't help you establish credit.

~ To get a credit card without a cosigner, you must be at least 18 years old and have a source of steady income. Gas cards are relatively easy to get. Apply for one and use it to establish credit, but pay it off every month to show that you can pay your bills responsibly.

~ If you can't get a small loan or gas or department credit card on your own, try to find someone to co-sign for you. Again, make payments regularly and on time.

~ Increase your chances of getting the loan you're applying for by coming up with a large down payment. If you don't have the cash, consider borrowing from a family member.

~ If you don't have a checking account, open one. You have very little credibility with lenders if you don't have at least a checking account and preferably a savings account as well.

~ Just as importantly, be sure not to overdraw your bank account. Bouncing checks sends a signal to potential lenders that you can't manage your daily finances and are, therefore, not a good credit risk.

~ Know what lenders and credit card issuers look for when issuing credit. There are other factors that affect credit approval besides just your payment history, such as how often you move and how often you change jobs. It also helps if you've had an apartment or utility in your own name. If you don't have a telephone number in your own name, you may find it more difficult to get credit.

~ If worse comes to worst, you may find it necessary to get a secured credit card. These cards require you to deposit money in an account to secure the loan or credit limit, and they often have fees and higher interest rates. If you default on your

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