Having bad credit can hinder your approval for a borrowed sum.  One key tactic that every inquiring borrower should do is to check their credit score prior to applying.  This is to ensure that there are no mistakes or fraud taken place.  If there are, you can contact the creditor to help resolve the mistake.  Moving on, there are plenty of lenders out there who are willing to loan to persons of bad credit.  The more you shop around for an acceptable loan or mortgage, the better chances you have for success!