Building personal credit without a credit card is possible, but it may take a little more effort. Here are some steps you can take to build credit without a credit card:
- Apply for a credit-builder loan. This is a loan specifically designed to help people build credit. With a credit-builder loan, you borrow a small amount of money and make regular payments over a set period of time. As you make your payments, the lender reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, which can help you build a positive credit history.
- Get a secured credit card. A secured credit card is a type of credit card that is backed by a deposit you make upfront. The deposit acts as collateral in case you default on your payments, and it also determines your credit limit. By using a secured credit card responsibly and making your payments on time, you can build a positive credit history.
- Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. If you have a friend or family member who trusts you and has good credit, you can ask them to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. As an authorized user, you’ll be able to use the credit card and benefit from the cardholder’s good payment history, which can help you build your own credit.
- Pay your bills on time. Even if you don’t have a credit card, you can still build credit by paying your bills on time. This includes bills like your rent, utilities, and cell phone bill. Many credit bureaus now track and report this information, so by paying your bills on time, you can build a positive credit history.
- Consider a co-signed loan. If you have a friend or family member with good credit who is willing to co-sign a loan for you, this can be a great way to build credit. Just make sure you are able to make the loan payments on time, as any missed or late payments will also affect the credit of the person who co-signed the loan.
- Rent a small apartment or other living space, and pay your rent on time. Many credit bureaus now track and report rental payment history, so by paying your rent on time, you can help build your credit.
- Use a credit-reporting service. There are companies that can help you build credit without a credit card by reporting your on-time bill payments to the credit bureaus. These services typically charge a fee, so be sure to do your research and read reviews before signing up for one.
- Be patient. Building credit takes time, so don’t expect to see immediate results. By consistently using credit responsibly and making your payments on time, you can gradually build a positive credit history that will benefit you in the long run.
In summary, building credit without a credit card is possible, but it may take a little more effort. The key is to use credit responsibly and make your payments on time, regardless of the type of credit you have.