How Jeff kick-started his credit.

After his finances hit the skids in his 30s, the motorcycle shop owner has turned it all around.

Jeff, a B.C. motorcycle shop owner, has been on a long journey with his finances and credit. But now he’s finally in the driver’s seat.

“Early 30s you’re like, ‘Cool, I’ve got money, I’ve got freedom’,” Jeff says. “But I wasn’t the best at knowing what to do with money, and that catches up with you.”

With little financial education or experience and his bills piling up, big banks weren’t considering Jeff for a credit card.

“Rent, food, bills, needing a vehicle, those things all started adding up,” he says. “As far as credit, it was like I didn’t exist. The bank I called at the time essentially said, ‘We’re not going to bet on you.’ It was a harsh reality.

“Getting denied by a financial institution, that’s the worst feeling. Especially when you feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing as an adult. I thought to myself, ‘I’m not going to let this happen. I am going to get back on my feet.’”

That’s exactly what he did.

Jeff started doing his own research on building his credit. After reading Capital One’s customer reviews, he picked up the phone.

“Right away, the person on the phone at Capital One put me at ease. They started talking to me as a person. Not robotic or condescending or as though they were above or below me. It made me feel comfortable.” From there, Jeff was issued a credit card, and a chance to take control of his finances.

“Capital One treated me the way I wanted to be treated. When I got that approval, for me, it felt good, it felt as though they trusted me enough to figure something out. Once I got that card, it was a feeling of relief. And from there, I had an extra level of diligence. I didn’t mess around with credit.”

Back in control, Jeff was able to focus his attention on his dream of opening a motorcycle shop.

“Without that credit card, there’s no way any of that would have existed. Capital One helped me with the basis of the shop.” By responsibly managing his finances, Jeff began rebuilding his credit history, which helped open up new opportunities for the future. Soon he was able to purchase basics like a lift and a workbench to start his business.

“Thanks to Capital One I was able to start a credit journey which eventually led me to open up my shop. There’s no place I’d rather be, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing. The accountability to answer to myself is huge. I feel very fortunate.”

Learn how Capital One can help you on your financial journey, too.