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Understand how to start building your credit from scratch

In this article you will understand the whole process of how to start building your credit from scratch.

credit history
Source: Google

To begin with, we can summarize that to be able to start building credit, it is interesting to have at least an open credit account or to take out a loan. It is also necessary that you make sure that the information regarding your payments reaches the main consumer credit bureaus.

Here you will learn more about the various forms of approaches to credit consignment and also in acquiring incredible credit scores. Although it may seem that building credit is something of great complexity, know that it is not as complicated as it seems. Follow along to understand more about it.

Building your credit from scratch

To get building credit, it is often not as difficult as it may seem. Especially if you have a sense of how to get started. To get higher credit scores, it is sometimes more difficult, but it is not impossible, and we will help you learn how to do it.

For you who are just starting out, you must first establish your credit history. That is, make opening or adding an account, usually a credit card or opting for a loan, which is counted to at least one among the major credit bureaus in the US. These are: Equifax, TransUnion or Experian.

It usually happens that companies check your credit first, to see if they can release a credit card or a loan. It can happen that you may not be approved if you don’t yet have a credit history. But the hope is that there are several ways to circumvent this situation. Understand more about them below.

Have access to a credit card

Considering getting a credit card can be a good option when starting out on a credit journey. There are several types of cards, so the best thing to do is to look for a credit card that has no annual fee or one that does not require you to pay interest or have a balance to build up credit.

Some options that are good to have as a first credit card are: secured credit cards, which are specifically for those who are new to credit or who want to rebuild their credit. There is also the student credit card, aimed at those who are college students.

Some options that are good to have as a first credit card are: secured credit cards, which are specifically for those who are new to credit or who want to rebuild their credit. There is also the student credit card, aimed at those who are college students.

How about starting a loan?

credit history
Source: Google

If you plan to graduate from high school, or intend to make a large purchase, another way to start building your credit is to take out a loan, coming through a lender who will report to the credit bureaus. Besides taking out a loan for something you want, such as graduating from school or financing a high expense, it also helps you build your credit.

This is a good option if you want to avoid buying credit cards. Here are some loans that may be of interest. Starting with student loans, which are usually approved even if you don’t have credit. And they are still reported to the credit bureaus.

There are also loans for those who are credit builders. In this case, you get the loan, but you don’t get the money. These funds will be in a reserved savings account until such time as you complete the loan repayment. Once you make the payments, they will become available to you.

How to build great credit

It is possible to take some steps that can help you as you work toward building a great credit score. Look for tips such as: constantly paying your bills on time. If you cannot pay in full, be sure to pay at least the minimum amount.

If you have credit cards, you can use them, but in moderation. Know that using a smaller portion of the credit you have on your card ends up being better for building your score. It is recommended by experts to use less than 30%.

Finally, open different account types. Remembering that this is not as important as payment history, but of course these combinations help you score credit. People don’t need to be an expert, i.e. be attuned to great details, to build extraordinary credit.

Just start by opening your accounts with creditors who will report directly to the leading consumer credit bureaus, and by always paying your bills on time and also by placing limits on your credit card usage. By doing so, you may soon get there.

Written By

Copywriter/Editor and finance expert known for concise and informative articles on investing and wealth management. With experience simplifying complex topics, Roberto empowers readers to make sound financial decisions.