If you have poor or no credit, don’t feel bad. Because you’re not alone. According to Experian, a credit reporting agency, 68 million people in the US are in the same boat.

The good news is that since you’re a Compass Community Credit Union member, you already have an easy way to start building or rebuilding your credit score. It’s your Compass Savings account.

Simply take out a loan against the balance you have in your savings account. Make payments on the loan on time. And your credit score will start to reflect that in a positive way. Plus, you can use the money from the loan to help pay down any high interest credit card debt or catch up on other bills that you may not be paying on time.

But while taking out a loan against your Compass Savings Account is a really easy way to start improving your credit, it’s not the only step you can take. Here are a few other tips we recommend you try:

• Pay all your bills on time — including your utility and cell phone bills
• Pay off debt and keep balances low on credit cards
• Don’t close unused credit cards unless they charge you annual fees

Remember, having a good credit score can help you qualify for better interest rates and terms when borrowing money, buying a car, or applying for a mortgage. It’s also used by landlords when you apply to rent. And it might even influence your smartphone lease and your life or car insurance rates.

If you’d like to learn more about taking out a loan against your Compass Savings Account, stop by your local branch. A Compass representative will be happy to tell you more.