Create A Financial Identity

To get a car loan, lease an apartment, or even book a hotel room, you need a financial identity. A financial identity is a traceable record that shows an income history and an ability to honor your financial obligations. If you have always paid in cash, used your parents', or spouse's, credit card and never signed a lease, you probably don't have much of a financial identity. So how do you get one? You start with bank accounts and credit accounts.

For more complete information on Creating A Financial Identity please view our fact sheet.

Social Security
The keystone to financial identity is a Social Security number. You probably already have one but, on the off chance you don't, or you've lost your card, contact the Social Security Administration. The SSA can be found online at http://www.ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

Set up a bank account
At a bare minimum, you'll need a checking account and a savings account. A money market account and certificates of deposit are good for growing the value of your money in a relatively safe fashion. Click hereto learn more about Managing Your Money and the accounts available at People's United.

Establishing and using credit
To lease a car, rent a hotel room or make purchases online, you'll need a credit card account that you maintain in good standing. Even if you don't have a long credit history, it is usually not hard to get a bank credit card. Click here to learn more about People's United Credit Cards.

Let Us Help You
For more assistance in establishing credit please call us at 1-800-772-1090 or visit any People's United Bank Branchin Connecticut.

People's Financial Advisors is a division of People's Securities, Inc. Investments & Insurance are available through People's Securities, Inc. (member FINRA and SIPC), a subsidiary of People's United Bank.