How to Build Credit After Abuse: A Step-by-Step Guide for DV Survivors

Rebuilding credit after leaving an abusive relationship can feel overwhelming, especially if your abuser controlled your finances or ruined your credit. Taking intentional steps can help you gain your financial independence and stability. Here’s how you can start rebuilding your credit and securing your financial future:

1. Seek Financial Assistance

Many organizations offer financial assistance to survivors:

• Government Assistance Programs – Check for rental assistance, job training, childcare programs, and food assistance. If you are broke, these things can help you get stability. There is no shame is using them to help you get stable and build your life. Just don't use them forever.

• Local Domestic Violence Organizations – Some provide emergency financial aid, household goods, even furniture.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC.org) – Free or low-cost financial counseling.

2. Pay Bills on Time

• Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. Even small, consistent payments on utilities, phone bills, and credit cards can help rebuild your credit.

• Set up autopay or reminders to avoid missed payments. (Trauma messes with memory, so reminders are good for lots of things for survivors.)

3. Assess Your Credit Situation

• Check Your Credit Report – You can get a free copy of your credit report from annualcreditreport.com.

• Look for Errors or Fraud – If your abuser opened accounts in your name, dispute them with the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).

• Identify Debts in Your Name – Make a list of any unpaid balances or overdue accounts.

4. Dispute Fraudulent Activity

If your abuser used your credit without permission, you may be able to dispute fraudulent accounts by:

• Contacting the credit bureaus and reporting the fraud.

• Filing an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (www.identitytheft.gov).

• Placing a fraud alert or credit freeze to prevent further damage.

5. Start Budgeting for Credit Success

• Track Your Spending – You can use paper, Google Sheets, or budgeting apps like Mint or EveryDollar.

• Prioritize Paying Down Debt – Once you're financially stable, you can do this one of two ways: 1) focus on high-interest debt first or 2) focus on the smallest debts first and work your way up. I like the 2nd option because you get rewards faster (feeling good about paying off a bill) and that helped me keep working at it.

6. Open a New Bank Account

If your abuser had access to your accounts, close them and open new ones at a different bank. If you need a bank account right away for direct deposits from a job, this doesn't have to been the 6th thing you do. I put it here because I don't want you to feel pressured to do it right away. My credit was wrecked by my marriage/ex-husband so I operated on a cash only basis for a while. When you're ready for (or need) a bank, choose a bank that offers:

• No or low monthly fees

• Online access and fraud protection

• A separate savings account to start building financial security. (Start with an Emergency Fund. Build it up over time if you have to - put away $250, then bring it to $500, and eventually $1000.)

7. Establish New Credit Responsibly

If your credit score is low or nonexistent, consider:

• Using Experian Boost – This free tool counts payments like utilities and rent to help improve your credit score.

• Applying for a Secured Credit Card – This requires a refundable deposit and helps build credit with responsible use.

• Becoming an Authorized User – Ask a trusted friend or family member to add you as an authorized user on their credit card.

• Applying for a Credit-Builder Loan – Some banks and credit unions offer loans designed to help build credit over time.

  
  

8. Keep Credit Utilization Low

• Try to use less than 30% of your available credit limit.

• Pay off balances each month possible.

• Avoid maxing out credit cards, as it can hurt your credit score.

Final Thoughts

Rebuilding credit takes time, but each step you take brings you closer to financial independence. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that you have the power to regain control over your financial future.