Are you tired of being rejected for credit cards? Don’t worry, you can still build credit without relying on credit card approvals. There are numerous ways to improve your credit profile without even filling out an application. Let’s dive into some popular methods that will help you build credit without a credit card.
6 Ways to Build Credit Without Applying and Using a Credit Card
No matter which strategy you choose, it’s essential to monitor your credit with a trusted service like myFICO. It provides detailed breakdowns of your credit report, historical trends of your credit score, and other valuable information to guide your credit-building journey.
1. Personal Loan
A personal loan is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. It offers an unsecured lump sum of money paid back in monthly installments, allowing you to consolidate debt, finance home repairs, or even plan a vacation. If you have bad or limited credit history, obtaining a personal loan might be challenging. However, you can ask a family member or friend to cosign a loan with you. Another option is to explore personal loans designed for customers with low credit profiles, such as Upstart or Upgrade.
2. Auto Loan
An auto loan is another type of personal loan, but it’s considered a secured loan because it requires collateral, usually your car. By making on-time payments, you can strengthen your credit history and improve your score. Keep in mind that once you repay the loan entirely, your credit line will be closed, which might cause a slight drop in your credit score. However, it’ll still be significantly better than when you initially opened the auto loan.
3. Timely Rent Payments
Did you know that paying your rent on time can positively impact your credit? Services like Rental Kharma report your rent payments to credit bureaus, such as Equifax and TransUnion. Although Rental Kharma isn’t free, it’s like opening an installment loan and paying a small monthly fee to score brownie points with the credit bureaus.
4. Experian Credit Boost
Credit-building tools have come a long way, and one of the most effective options is Experian Boost. This service allows you to use monthly payments that aren’t necessarily credit-related to boost your credit score. Whether it’s your phone bill, utilities, or even rent, Experian considers them all. While it only impacts your credit score with Experian, the service is free, making it a risk-free way to improve your credit.
5. Ask to Be an Authorized User
Although not entirely unrelated to credit cards, becoming an authorized user doesn’t require opening your own credit card. By requesting someone with healthy credit habits to add you as an authorized user, their positive activity will appear on your credit report as well. With this method, you don’t even need to interact with the account – simply being added as a user will benefit your credit.
TIME Stamp: No Matter the State of Your Credit, There Are Plenty of Non-Credit Card Ways to Improve
No matter how inexperienced or far you’ve fallen, there are always ways to rebuild your credit. From credit-building debit cards to services like Experian Boost and becoming an authorized user, you have plenty of options. Regaining your financial footing is possible, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to build credit for a beginner?
Building credit from scratch can take up to six months before you are assigned a credit score. Fostering a good credit score takes time and responsible behavior, but the benefits are unparalleled. It will help you achieve significant milestones like obtaining mortgages, auto loans, and even renting an apartment.
At what age should you start trying to build credit?
You are eligible to apply for loans once you turn 18, making it an excellent time to start building your credit. However, some credit card issuers allow you to begin building credit before reaching that age. By adding you as an authorized user, someone with good credit habits can help you establish credit. Fun fact: It’s even possible to add an infant as an authorized user. With responsible credit behavior, they can have an impressive credit history by the time they turn 18.
What’s a good credit score?
According to FICO, a “good” credit score falls between 670 and 739.
That’s it for our guide on building credit without a credit card. Stay tuned for more insider tips and tricks to master your personal finances.