How to establish credit with no credit history?

Ok! So let me get this right! In order to get credit, I have to have a credit history. But, in order to get a credit history, I have to have credit? Ok! So I will sit here and pretend like that makes sense, but my mind really just blew a fuse.

If you were one of the countless numbers of people that were not fortunate enough to be raised in a family that understood what credit was and how it works, then you have arrived at the perfect destination. I was once you, by the time I was able to use credit, mine was had already been abused. Yes abused! Without getting into details about how this came about, because if your credit journey began where mine was then you understand. Anyway, without the proper knowledge of where to start, establishing your credit can be confusing. So allow me to assist you in a way, that could have saved the younger me, a whole lot of time.

Authorized User

This is definitely the simplest way to establish your credit, but can also prove to be the most difficult. Difficult, only because it relies on a family member or friend to allow you to become an authorized user to one of their credit cards. For some, this may be easy-peasy because you may have an established trust relationship with a family member or friend and within the second billing cycle, you can pull up credit karma or any one of the 3 credit bureaus and voilà, instant credit.

Now for the rest of you, you still may have a chance of becoming an authorized user, but this will require a bit of education and a whole lot of convincing. If you are relying on a parent that does not quite understand how credit works, they can rest assure, becoming an authorized user does not mean you get access to their available balance, so be sure to educate them on the facts.

Becoming an authorized user is a low-risk way of establishing credit with zero liability. Be sure that the person you choose to piggyback off is using their credit card responsibly and has good credit.

Apply for Secured Credit Card

Secured credit cards can be used to build credit from scratch and may also be used in situations to repair poor credit. Do not, I repeat, do not be discouraged by the security deposit that will be required to receive your line of credit. These charges start at $49, but typically start at $200. I suggest starting with DISCOVER IT® SECURED CREDIT CARD or CAPITAL ONE PLATINUM SECURE CREDIT CARD.

CREDIT BOOST

Experian Boost™ is a fairly new, free credit-building tool that gives you the ability to use your monthly utilities, phone bill, or streaming services to establish and build your credit history.

I hope this article was helpful, If any questions feel free to leave a comment

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