Of course, this can be a problem. Getting a good FICO score can be mighty tough if you've had some financial problems in the past, or if you're just starting your financial life and haven't had loans or credit cards.

The major credit bureaus track only those accounts that are held by banks and other finance providers - and they only compile information that is reported to them by those providers. So if you don't have credit cards and have not taken out a loan on a house or a car, or even paid for a new TV on time, you don't have much of a record for them to report.

It can be beyond frustrating for an individual who has prided himself or herself on always paying cash and staying out of debt. What person wouldn't feel crushed by a low FICO score when they don't owe anything beyond their monthly rent or phone bill?

The sad truth is, unless you've used credit, you have no credit. Lenders want to see your ability to make payments over time, and if you've had no payments to make, they can't see that.

But there is hope for you!

An alternative credit bureau could be the help you need to put you on your way to the credit you want today. A company called PRBC is now creating and selling credit reports based on items which are not considered "loans" but are part of your monthly obligations.

Those items include rent, phone, cable, insurance, electric power, natural gas, cell phone or satellite TV, and even day care expenses. Items like these are not reported to the major credit bureaus unless you default - they don't report your on-time payments.

For a nominal fee, PRBC will research and verify the accounts you furnish to them. They'll then keep a file which can be accessed by potential lenders - with your permission.

If you sign up for their on-line bill pay service, they'll automatically track all your payments and add that information to your file as well.

This report could be very helpful in demonstrating your responsibility levels to a prospective employer or landlord, and can help you qualify for loans. In fact, if your file shows that you have paid rent and 3 other bills on time for 12 months, you could even qualify for a mortgage.

If you have no credit, investigate what PRBC has to offer - it might make a huge difference in your ability to get a job, rent a home, get that new credit card, or even buy a home.