My buddy has had some credit trouble in the past. He skipped out on a few CC payments, etc. when he was in his 20's.

Got into his 30's and discovered that even though he could afford the payments, noone would finance a car for him. Asked me about it and the discussion that ensued revealed these skips.

I worked with him to get all of those items resolved. All of his former credit problems were solved for less than $1K, which is sooo silly that he didn't just pay the darn bills...

Anyway - pulled his credit reports the other day, and NONE OF THE 3 agencies would provide a credit score, even when we opted to pay for same. Each gave a "system problem prevents providing your requested score"-like message.

Here's what I think is "up". He has ZERO activity on 2 of the 3 agencies. No adverse reports, but no accounts are shown either. It's like he doesn't exist as far as they're concerned, credit-wise.

I suspect "no score available" is because he has ZERO credit history.

I'm thinking he needs to get some sort of loan to get at least some activity going.

He's got some ready cash available. I'm going to suggest he purchase a CD, say for $1000 or $1500 at his bank. Get a 1 year instrument. Then turn around and borrow $1000 from the bank on an installment loan. Make regular, on-time payments for 1 year to pay off the loan.

That should establish some credit-bureau activity that should help him get going, right?

He's applied for a CC in the last 6 or so months - just a GAP (clothing store) account, but he was denied.

We're planning some joint business ventures in the next 2-3 years, and those are impossible with his current "no credit score" situation.

Any other suggestions?