Lenders take varying degrees of risk when extending loans to borrowers, since there is always the possibility that he or she will default on the loan, i.e. miss the payments or simply run away from the responsibility of paying it back. Even when a loan is secured against a purchase, such as a home mortgage, and they are allowed to take the house in lieu of payment, they still have to find a new buyer to recoup their loss. In worst cases, when the loan is unsecured, lenders risk losing the entire amount of the loan, or have to go through the tedious and sometimes expensive process of going through a long collections process, which may or may not recover all of their money.

For these reasons, all but the most unscrupulous lenders are looking to minimize their risk when evaluating a potential borrower. A lender is looking for a borrower who gives every indication that he can repay the loan. So, as a borrower, you want to appear trustworthy and financially prepared to repay your loan in a timely manner.

One of the main ways you can establish a lender's confidence is to present them with a strong credit history. Your credit history doesn't need to show large credit limits or buying power, just consistent payment. Even if you only have a history of paying off small amounts and keeping small balances, this shows financial discipline and trustworthiness. You have proven yourself to be faithful to your commitment to pay back what you borrow.

In the eyes of a lender, good credit has more to do with habits and practices than credit limits and account sizes. If you have a history of paying off your credit card on time and a steady income, you can expect to receive a loan up to the limit your income supports.

The second major factor in a lender's decision to grant you a loan is your income. Most lenders work on a percentage rubric of monthly income versus monthly payment size in determining whether a loan is right for you.

For instance, if your monthly income is $2,000, and the potential mortgage payment on a new home would be $1,000 per month, you are unlikely to have the income to support that mortgage. On the other hand, if you can show a potential for growth in your income, such as a pending promotion or obtaining an advanced degree, you may be able to convince a lender to bank on your bright future.

Note, however this is weighed against other financial responsibilities you may have, such as existing loans or balances on your credit card, your age, and the kind of profession you are in. If you are lucky, in the end, to get the approved loan, creditors may tuck in the “added risk” into your loan arrangement by charging higher interest. Thus, if you have a poor credit history, it may be of benefit to fix existing debts and establish a better rating before applying for a larger loan like a mortgage.