We discuss how to build credit without a credit card—an unsecured card, that is, as a secured credit card often represents many people’s first foray into building credit.
Further, you might apply to take alternate types of payment history into account, such as rent payments or cell phone bills.
Below, we cover how to build credit without a credit card—an unsecured one, that is.
A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires you to put down an upfront cash deposit, usually equaling the amount of your credit limit.
A credit builder loan functions as a tool for people who have low or no credit history. They can use them to begin building up their credit scores by establishing a credit history.
If you don’t meet the requirements for having credit cards on your own, having an authorized user status on a cardholder’s account might be beneficial to building positive “payment history,” a credit scoring component.
By paying rent, utility bills, and rent, you also demonstrate your ability to manage other liabilities. Taken together, these added items can create a good credit score worth using when applying for a loan or credit card from a bank or credit union.
Alternate Payment History Appearing in Your Credit Report
Having a co-signer credit card works similar to carrying a joint brokerage account or bank account—you both have access to the funds. However, they differ because joint accounts list both owners as equals, meaning they share the account title and legal responsibility.
An essential part of one’s credit score is a history of on-time payments. If you are timely in paying your student loans, this will help improve your credit.