How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit

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Key takeaways

Raising your rating with a credit card is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do it.
Consistently paying on time and keeping your credit utilization low demonstrates financial reliability and improves your score.
If you don’t want to use plastic to pay, there are other ways to boost your score, including credit builder loans and rent reporting.

Building credit with a credit card is one of the most common and easiest ways to raise your score quickly. All you have to do is use your card regularly and responsibly. Pay all your bills on time every time and only spend a small percentage of your limit. You’ll demonstrate that you can manage borrowing and repaying money on a regular basis. Keep this up, and your score will shoot up.

We’ll go over in detail how to build credit fast with a card and what to watch out for.

How to build credit with a credit card

Building credit with a credit card begins with your credit card issuer. Issuers report your payment history and usage to the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – once a month. The credit bureaus put the data into your reports, which are used to calculate your three-digit scores.

The vast majority of lenders use the FICO scoring model. FICO calculates your credit score using the following factors:

Use your card responsibly, and you’ll have a positive credit history and a good score. Here’s how you can make that happen.

1. Make on-time payments

The best thing you can do for your credit is to make on-time payments. Payment history is the most significant factor in determining your credit score. As you consistently pay on time every month, your score will go up.

Many credit card issuers allow you to set up autopay or send you bill reminders. Use these tools to your advantage so that you don’t accidentally forget.

2. Keep your credit utilization low

Your credit utilization ratio is your current balance, what you’ve spent, divided by your limit. Credit scores take into account your utilization ratio on each individual card and cumulatively across all accounts.

For example, if you have a total limit of $10,000 and are now spending $2,000, your utilization ratio is 20%. That’s a good place to be.

You want to keep your credit utilization ratio low to enhance your score. Try to keep it under 10% – but above 0%. A single-digit utilization rate can help you build credit faster, but it can be hard to do, especially if you have a low limit. A general rule of thumb is to keep your rate below 30%.

Why does higher credit utilization decrease your credit score? A high ratio implies that you are overly reliant on borrowing. When you rely on your credit card too much, you may not be able to afford the bill. Lenders prefer customers who can afford to pay on time.

3. Use your card regularly

You have to spend on credit to get credit. Use your card regularly so that the credit card issuer has information to report to the credit bureaus. Adding positive information to your credit report is the only way to improve your score.

Even if you start with the easiest unsecured credit card to get, using it consistently and responsibly can lead to better credit offers down the line.

If you don’t use your card regularly, the issuer may cancel it and close the account. Closing an account will shorten the average length of your credit history and lower your cumulative credit limit. If you don’t use your card frequently, consider putting a small recurring charge on it and setting up autopay for the full amount.

4. Become an authorized user

If you don’t want to apply for your own card, ask a trusted friend or family member if you can be an authorized user on their account. Make sure the primary cardholder has a good credit score and that the card issuer reports authorized users. That way, your score benefits from their responsible use. If you or the primary cardholder doesn’t use the card responsibly, that will affect both your scores.

5. Increase your credit limit

A higher credit limit will make it easier to maintain a low utilization rate. A lower utilization rate will help your score grow. All you have to do is keep your spending the same.

Many issuers will automatically review your account to determine if a limit increase is warranted. The best credit cards to build credit with no credit will raise your limit after six months of consistent on-time payments. You can also request an increase if you’ve consistently paid on time or received a raise at work.

6. Select the right credit card for building credit

The right credit card is the card you can get approved for with your score. What credit score do you need to get a credit card? A score of 670 or higher is a good starting point, but you still qualify with fair credit – any score over 580. Certain specialized issuers even offer credit cards to consumers with no credit history at all.

Regardless of your score, look for an affordable card with minimal fees (ideally, no annual fees and no monthly maintenance fees) and a competitive interest rate. The issuer must report to all three major credit bureaus.

The best unsecured credit cards for bad credit will have few fees and offer rewards. You can usually choose between cash back and travel points or miles. If you want cash back, look for a card that offers a high percentage in categories where you already spend a significant amount.

If you’re having trouble qualifying for a credit card, consider a secured card. Secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit that sets your limit. They are easier to qualify for and often have lower fees than unsecured cards for bad credit.

7. Pay off the balance in full each month

Always pay more than the minimum payment each month. Pay the entire balance if you can. Paying off your balance in full each month means you won’t pay a dime in interest.

When you only make the minimum payment, most of it goes towards the interest, and barely reduces the principal. You’ll end up paying more interest and will have a higher utilization rate.

8. Use only the credit you need

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It can be tempting to use your card for everything, but resist the urge. Treat your card like a debit card and only charge what you can afford to pay for in cash. That way, you’ll have no problems paying in full by the due date.

Credit card management tips

Responsible use of a new card can have a positive impact on your score, but exactly how much a credit card will raise your score depends on your consistent payment behavior and utilization rate. To keep your score going up, follow these tips.

1. Never pay late

Always pay your bills on time. Late payments can drag down your score and remain on your credit report for up to seven years. More recent late payments will have a greater impact on your score.

If you think you’re going to be late, call your card issuer as soon as possible. You may be able to work out a payment plan or have the late fee waived, especially if you consistently make timely payments. Often, they won’t report until a payment is more than 30 days past due.

Making timely payments every month is one of the best things you can do for your credit score.

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2. Pay twice a month

One of the best strategies for paying your credit card bill is to pay down your balance mid-month. Paying twice a month helps you maintain a low utilization rate. You’ll end up with a lower bill at the end of the month, which will be easier to pay off in full.

One way to do this is to figure out how much you typically spend per month. Divide this sum in half and then set up autopay for after you receive your paycheck. You’ll have a lower balance without having to think about it.

You can, of course, manually pay down your balance multiple times a month if you prefer. This trick is especially helpful during the holiday season when credit card bills tend to be higher.

3. Don’t apply for too many new accounts at once

Only apply for credit accounts you need. Every time you submit an application, the financial institution will do a hard inquiry, which will temporarily lower your score. Your score should only drop by a few points and bounce back within a year. One hard inquiry isn’t a big deal, but multiple inquiries at once can cause damage. Wait six months to a year between applications.

One trick is to prequalify for cards. Prequalifying does not impact your credit since the lender only conducts a soft inquiry. You’ll be able to gauge your chances of approval and then only apply for cards where you meet the basic criteria.

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How to build credit without a credit card

It is possible to raise your rating without a card. While they make it easy to improve your score, you do have to be careful and responsible, or you can go into debt. Luckily, there are alternatives to credit cards.

Credit builder loans

One option is a credit builder loan. What is a credit builder loan? It is a financial product that allows you to improve your score while saving money at the same time. With this loan, you don’t receive the money immediately; instead, the financial institution holds onto it and deposits it into a savings account. You make monthly payments until the loan is fully paid off. The lender reports the monthly payments to the credit bureaus, boosting your score. After you’ve made your last payment, the lender gives you the loan money, minus any fees owed or plus interest earned.

Like with any other loan, compare the fees and policies of different lenders. Before applying, you should also ensure that the lender will report payments to all three credit bureaus. Reporting payments is the only way the loan will help you improve your score.

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Report ALL your monthly payments

Does paying rent build credit? It can, but only if the payment data is reported to all three major credit bureaus. Landlords typically don’t report payments. That said, many companies report rent, utility, phone, and subscription payments. When this information is reported, the bureaus will add it to your credit reports. This way, you can improve your score with bills you’re already paying.

It’s a valuable service if you’re wary of borrowing money and going into debt or want to give your score an additional boost. As always, make sure that the service reports to all three credit bureaus. Then, continue to make on-time payments, as any reported late payments can negatively impact your score.

Go to Credit Score Builder to find out how to effectively build credit!

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Use a debit card that reports payments

While prepaid credit cards to build credit don’t exist, certain debit cards can improve your score. Most of these debit cards function like secured cards without a security deposit. They report your payment activity to credit bureaus, allowing you to establish a positive payment history.

Most of them work by connecting to your bank account. The card company then sets spending limits based on your bank balance and transaction history. You can spend only within your spending limit. Most cards will debit the money directly from your account, so you don’t have to worry about paying a bill. Then the card issuer reports your payment activity to the bureaus.

Many of these debit cards charge fees, such as an annual fee. It’s essential to review the terms and conditions to understand the fees and determine if they align with your budget.

The great thing about a debit card that reports payments is that it does not involve borrowing money, so there’s no chance of going into debt. Instead, it focuses on helping you raise your rating through the responsible use of a debit card. That said, a debit card is not as effective as a credit card at improving your score.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the fastest way to build credit using a credit card?

The fastest way to build credit using a credit card is to pay your bills on time every month and maintain a credit utilization rate under 10%. Do these two things consistently and your score will grow.

2. What is the best credit card payment method to build credit?

The method you use to pay your bill does not matter as long as it is paid on time and in full. Setting up autopay can help you avoid missing payments and establish a positive payment history.

3. How much of a $500 credit limit should I use?

Experts recommend using no more than 30% of the limit, but 10% is even better. When you have a $500 credit card limit, it’s best to keep your spending under $50 and no more than $150. Staying below this threshold helps demonstrate responsible usage and maintains a low utilization rate, which is favorable for your financial health.

4. Does paying off credit cards increase credit score?

Paying off your credit card should increase your credit score, as it will lower your credit utilization rate. Keep your credit card account open after you pay it off. Closing the account will lower your cumulative credit limit and hurt your utilization rate. It will also decrease the average length of your credit history, another scoring factor.

5. How many credit cards should I have to build credit?

Start with one or two cards at most when building credit. A low number of credit cards is easier to manage. When you only have one or two cards to keep track of you are less likely to miss payments.

Bottom line

Cards are a convenient payment system and one of the easiest ways to build credit. You have to use them responsibly for them to help you. Do not charge more than you can afford to pay for in cash. Always pay your bill on time and in full. Otherwise, they be more detrimental than beneficial.

If you think it will be hard to control how much you spend, then try a different way to improve your score. There are plenty of other options if you want to avoid debt and borrowing altogether. Ask to be an authorized user on a friend or family member’s card. Apply for a debit card that reports payments. Or use a rent reporting service. Figure out what works for you and raise your rating.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product.

3. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card, which may be issued by Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, and the Current Visa® secured charge card, which is issued by Cross River Bank, are all issued pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. A Current debit account is required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees. Build Card: Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

6. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

7. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

8. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

9. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC.

10. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions. Individual Current Accounts only.

11. For eligible customers only. You may earn Points in connection with your Build Card purchases at retailers whose merchant code is classified as: Dining (e.g., restaurants) and Groceries (e.g., supermarkets) and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. Points will expire 365 days after they settle. For more information (including specific eligibility criteria), please refer to the Current Points Terms and Condition.

12. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

13. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. No minimum balance required. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. To earn a Boost rate of 4.00%, the sum of your Eligible Payroll Deposits over a rolling 35-day period must be $500 or more, with at least one Eligible Payroll Deposit equalling a minimum of $200. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

14. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

15. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

16. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

17. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

18. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

20. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

21. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

22. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

23. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

24. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

25. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

26. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

27. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

28. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

29. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

30. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

31. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

32. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

33. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

34. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

35. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

36. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

37. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

38. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

39. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

40. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

41. MyPay is only offered in select states

42. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.

43. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com). Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms. Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.

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Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor's credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.

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How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit

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