Get started
- Open a secured credit card (you deposit cash as collateral) and use it lightly; pay in full.
- Or become an authorized user on a family member's card with good history.
- Consider a credit-builder loan from a credit union.
Use it wisely
- Pay the full balance every month to avoid interest and build history.
- Keep utilization low (under 30% of limit).
- Don't apply for many cards at once; space out applications.
Monitor
- Check your credit report annually (annualcreditreport.com).
- Give it time; building credit usually takes 6–12+ months of history.