[header] How to make a major purchase with poor credit and zero down [title] Determine your credit score prior to applying for a loan. [step] In the united states, there are 3 credit reporting agencies that keep track of your payment history. Your credit score is a combination of the 3 agencies. 
This score is often referred to as your fair isaac company (fico) score. [substeps] Retrieve a tri-merge credit report or get a credit report from each of the 3 reporting agencies.