Consumers seeking to put a marred financial past behind them and build a solid credit score often reach a dismal juncture - working toward good credit seems impossible when lenders will not extend you credit due to a blemished credit history. Even with a history of meticulously managed finances, an applicant can be denied approval for a credit card or loan due to a lack of prolonged credit history. If you must have credit to get credit, how does anyone get started or offset past mistakes?