Start Your Credit Journey Right
Building credit from scratch? We'll guide you through every step with expert tips and actionable strategies.
Payment History
Never miss payments
35%
Credit Utilization
Keep below 10%
30%
Length of Credit
Age of your accounts
15%
Credit Mix
Different types of credit
10%
New Credit
Recent inquiries
10%
Start with a Secured Credit Card
Put down a deposit to get your first credit card. Your deposit becomes your credit limit.
Become an Authorized User
Ask a family member to add you to their account. Their good payment history can help you.
Set Up Automatic Payments
Never miss a payment by setting up autopay for at least the minimum amount.
Monitor Your Progress
Check your credit score monthly and review your credit report annually.
Statement Date vs Due Date
When your balance is reported to credit bureaus
When your payment is due (usually 21+ days later)
Pro Tip
Pay Before Statement Date
Pay your balance before the statement date to keep your reported utilization low, even if you use your card regularly.
Utilization Guidelines:
Utilization Impact
Best Practice
Keep your utilization below 10% for the best credit score impact. If your limit is $1,000, use $100 or less.