Blog Education Center

1. Get a Student Credit Card
An easy way to build credit is to get a student credit card. Student cards don’t require an existing credit history and often have benefits like cash-back rewards for good grades. Paying on time and keeping your balances low will help build your credit score.

2. Become an Authorized User
Start building credit without the legal responsibility of paying debt. Talk to your parents or guardians about adding you as an authorized user on their credit cards. If the primary cardholder reports authorized user activity, their on-time payment history will appear on your credit report. You will build good credit without the legal responsibility of paying the debt.

3. Apply for a Secured Credit Card
Are you struggling to qualify for a student credit card? Consider getting a secured credit card instead. These cards need a refundable security deposit, which will be your credit limit. Making small purchases and payments each month demonstrates responsible usage that boosts your credit score over time.

4. Keep Credit Utilization Low
Limit your credit utilization ratio to below 30% across all cards. If you have a $500 limit, do not carry a balance over $150 month-to-month. High credit utilization reduces your credit score while keeping balances low builds it.

5. Pay All Bills Promptly
At a minimum, pay at least the minimum amount due on all bills before their due dates. Set up autopay through your bank or card issuer to ensure payments post on time. Late and missed payments hurt your credit utilization and payment history.

6. Check Credit Reports Yearly
Monitoring your credit reports each year is essential. Contest any errors with the credit bureaus right away to avoid issues. Staying on top of your credit report ensures everything is accurate.