More people than most imagine have a poor credit history. When there isn't any money to pay the bills, there aren't a lot of options. Money only goes so far and the recent recession didn't help matters any. Having a poor credit history isn't pleasant but it doesn't have to be the end of the world. Credit history's can be changed. Not fraudulently but by either paying or erasing the past debts. A poor credit history can follow someone their entire lives if they let it. It can (and does) affect if they get a job, get utilities, are able to rent a house or apartment and many other things in life. Important things depend on a person's credit history. In some cases, irresponsibility and poor judgment leads to poor credit, but other times it is only circumstances. Regardless of what lead to a poor credit history, the important thing is to act on it. Find a way to erase or repay those debts. If you cannot repay them, consider bankruptcy. Bankruptcy does not mean failure. It means you are taking action in order to do something about a poor credit history. If you want credit repaired, there really aren't any other options; repay or reduce/erase.