When people come to me looking to build credit, many also come with a dream—whether that is to buy a home or a car, start a business or build wealth for their family. They know what they want, but they’re unsure how to get there.

The Sunrise Banks Credit Builder Program is built around our mission of being a force for good for our customers. Serving those who are unbanked and underbanked is part of that goal. We are committed to creating positive change in our communities and finding ways to help people achieve their financial goals.

If you’re looking to build credit, here are a few tips to get started.

Taking the First Step to Build Credit

Many people don’t know where to start when it comes to establishing credit. The program at Sunrise Banks lays it out in four easy-to-understand steps:

1. Apply for a Credit Builder Loan*.
2. The proceeds of the loan are placed in a Certificate of Deposit (CD) savings account, and a customer makes monthly payments on the loan**.
3. Sunrise Banks reports the monthly payments to the credit bureau agencies.
4. The principal amount of the loan is deposited into your Sunrise Banks account after all payments are made***.

It’s possible to have up to three Credit Builder Loans open at once, increasing the opportunity for the credit score to go up faster****.

Building a Dream

When we first meet with a potential customer, we will gather information and understand their needs. We work to establish a relationship and build a business plan around their goals and dreams. All they want is an opportunity, and that’s what we provide at Sunrise Banks.

Most people already have the tools in place — they have income and are doing their taxes but can’t get approved for a credit card or a loan, or they don’t know how to start. Through our Credit Builder Program, they can come back a few months after payments are established, and we work with them to get approved for a secured credit card.

Our team has many years of experience in helping people build credit. That has helped us learn the types of things creditors are looking for, the right documentation to provide and the right way to work with creditors through the credit card approval process.

Finding Success

Many people who successfully complete our Credit Builder Program become customers, and friends, for life.

One memorable moment in my career was when an entire family of nine people came into the lobby after the father successfully went through the program and purchased the family’s first home. Each person hugged me and said thank you. That’s what it’s all about for me and the rest of our team at Sunrise Banks. We are making a difference for our community members, addressing disparities and building a future for families.

You can get started by setting up a consultation. Reach out and we’ll do all we can to help you achieve your dreams.

Learn more about the Sunrise Banks Credit Builder program at https://sunrisebanks.com/credit-builder/.

Roberto Valdizan is a relationship banker at Sunrise Banks.

Member FDIC.

1. *Credit Builder loans are subject to credit approval. Fees may apply. SSN or ITIN required for loan application. Individuals using an ITIN must apply in person. Click here to find a location.

2. **Certificate of Deposit and loan rates may vary. See a Sunrise Banks Relationship Banker for full details.

3. ***If you do not have a Sunrise Banks checking or savings account, we will provide you with a check.

4. ****The Credit Builder Loan does not guarantee credit score improvement. There are many variables that factor into your credit score. The best way to build credit with this loan is to make on-time payments every month.