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Building Credit Histories

Author

Listed:
  • Natalia Kovrijnykh
  • Igor Livshits
  • Ariel Zetlin-Jones

Abstract

This paper investigates how new borrowers expand their credit access. In particular, we examine the role that consumers’ credit choices, not just repayment behavior, play in building their credit histories. Using credit bureau data, we document that incumbent lenders typically increase credit limits for borrowers who open additional credit cards. This effect is especially pronounced for new borrowers. Our interpretation of this evidence is that lenders perceive credit offered by other lenders as revealing favorable information about the borrower. We build a novel model consistent with this hypothesis and show that the model’s predictions are consistent with the data.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalia Kovrijnykh & Igor Livshits & Ariel Zetlin-Jones, 2026. "Building Credit Histories," Working Papers 26-17, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedpwp:102941
    DOI: 10.21799/frbp.wp.2026.17
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D86 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Economics of Contract Law
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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