What you can’t see helps you—invisible debts -19

A third way to help your ratios is to consider invisible debts. Some
lenders don’t report your debt to the three major credit bureaus. Since
the debt doesn’t appear on your credit report, it won’t affect your credit
score. If you can move a balance from a reporting debt to a non-
reporting debt, this new invisible debt will improve your capacity as
calculated by your credit reporting records.

Lines of credit at local stores, personal notes and other sources of non-
reporting debt can help you by making your overall ratios smaller when
your credit report is the chief method the lender uses to determine your
financial worthiness. Obviously, if a more detailed balance sheet is
requested, those debts should appear there.
However, the danger with this strategy is building up too many debts
and becoming over-indebted. Remember what the credit report doesn’t
know can still hurt you. When you accumulate invisible debts, use
them wisely. By paying these debts on time you will improve your
character, your reputation for paying your debts and you gain a source
for meaningful referrals.