How to Build Credit Without a Credit Card

You can build credit without a credit card by using tools like credit-builder loans, rent reporting, and secured cards.

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Updated July 15, 2025
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Key takeaways

  • You don’t need a credit card to establish a credit history or achieve a good score.
  • Alternative strategies like credit-builder loans, rent reporting, and becoming an authorized user can help you build credit.
  • Consistently paying all your bills on time is the most important step to improving your credit score.

When you think of building credit, credit cards are likely the first thing that comes to mind. They are the easiest way to establish and improve your score. The problem is that it can be tough to get a credit card if you have a limited credit history or a poor score. It’s a classic catch-22 where you need credit to get credit.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to begin building credit without a credit card.

Can you have credit without a credit card?

You can have a credit history and score without a credit card. Loans, alternative credit cards, and credit-building tools allow you to prove that you are a responsible borrower.

The best ways to build credit without a credit card

If you’re looking for the best ways to build credit and don’t want to rely on plastic, you’re in luck. Here are some proven options to help you improve your credit profile.

1. Start with credit-builder loans

A credit-builder loan (CBL) is one of the most popular tools for building credit without a credit card. You can get credit builder loans with no credit check from credit unions, community banks, and online lenders. They typically range from $300 to $1,000.

So, what is a credit builder loan? It’s a small installment loan where the lender holds the money in a secured savings account. You make payments over 6 to 24 months, which the lender reports to the credit bureaus. When you’ve paid off the loan, you receive the funds and a positive payment history.

A $500 credit builder loan can be a manageable way to start building credit from scratch.

2. Become an authorized user

Another effective strategy is to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. When a trusted friend or family member adds you to their account, their payment history, usage, and credit limit are added to your credit report. That is, provided the issuer reports authorized user activity.

Being an authorized user can boost your score without requiring you to be responsible for payments or even using the card. What is essential is that the person you ask has a good to excellent credit.

3. Report rent and utility payments

Paying rent can build credit if your landlord reports payments to the credit bureaus. If not, you can enlist a service. Many services will report your rent, phone, and utility payments.

Reporting your monthly bills is a good way to add positive alternative data to your report. The problem with this method is that not all credit scoring models include alternative data.

Even if the score the lender views does not include your monthly bills, they will still see the data on your credit report. Adding positive payment information to your report can enhance your chances of being approved.

4. Use a secured card

While this technically is a credit card, it functions differently enough to merit inclusion. The difference between a secured vs. unsecured credit card is that a secured card requires a refundable cash deposit. The deposit makes them a low-risk way for lenders to offer credit.

Check that the issuer reports to all three major credit bureaus. Then use a small percentage of your limit and pay your bills on time. Gradually, your score will improve and you can upgrade to an unsecured card.

5. Use a personal loan

A traditional loan, even a small one, can help you build credit with on-time payments. If your credit score is low, consider personal loans for bad credit from credit unions or online lenders. These lenders often have more lenient credit requirements and may consider alternative factors such as employment history and banking activity. You will likely receive higher interest rates, so make sure you can afford the loan before you borrow.

6. Take out an auto loan

If you need a new car, consider an auto loan. These are installment loans that are secured by your car. Since they are secured, they are easier to qualify for with bad credit. Repay it as agreed, and your score will benefit.

You can find bad credit car loans with guaranteed approval at dealerships, credit unions, and online lenders. Always shop around and compare rates to ensure you get the best deal.

7. Apply for a loan with a co-signer

If you can’t qualify for a loan on your own, consider applying with a co-signer who has good credit. A co-signer can help you get better loan terms and improve your approval odds.

Be aware, though: your co-signer is equally responsible for repayment. You need to make every payment on time to protect both of your credit scores.

8. Pay your existing debt

Don’t underestimate the value of simply paying your current debts. When you pay loans on time, you will improve your score. The worst thing you can do is default. If you don’t pay your bills, the lender may sell the account to a debt collector who could take you to court.

If you’re juggling multiple debts, consider debt consolidation loans for bad credit. You take out a loan at a lower interest rate and use the funds to pay off high-interest debt. Consolidation simplifies your bills while improving your credit through consistent payments. It’s one of the more strategic ways to get out of debt while simultaneously repairing your credit profile. The essential part is to keep paying down your debts.

What affects your credit score?

You need to know what factors affect your credit score so that you can effectively improve it. Five key factors determine your score:

  • Payment history – 35%
  • Credit utilization – 30%
  • Length of credit history – 15%
  • Credit mix – 10%
  • New inquiries – 10%

Paying bills on time is the most important thing you can do. Missed or late payments significantly lower your score. If you think you’re going to miss a payment, contact your creditor immediately to work out a solution.

High credit card balances also hurt your score. Aim to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%; under 10% is ideal.

A limited credit history can also drag down your rating. Lenders like to see a long history of on time payments and low utilization. This factor takes time, but you can reach a good credit score within six months to a year with responsible credit management.

Relying on only one type of credit can be a problem. Lenders prefer a mixture of installment (loans) and revolving (cards) credit. They want to know that you can handle various kinds of borrowing responsibly. While it can be a good idea to apply for a secured card and credit-builder loan, do not take on debt you cannot afford to pay.

Lastly, recent inquiries matter since the lender will conduct a hard credit check. A hard pull temporarily lowers your score by a few points. One isn’t a big deal; your score will bounce back.

Why is your credit score important? The answer is simple: it affects your ability to borrow, rent, and even get certain jobs. A good score tells lenders that you are responsible and they can trust you to repay what you owe. In return, they will give you loans and credit cards with lower rates, potentially saving thousands in interest.

A good score is anything above 690. When your score falls below that number, borrowing becomes harder and more expensive. A 500 credit score, for example, will limit your access to affordable loans and make it challenging to get a decent credit card. Once your credit score reaches 760, you will be eligible for the best terms from most lenders.

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How to avoid hurting your credit

Protecting your credit score is just as important as building it. Once you have a good credit score, keep up the responsible habits.

Check your credit score: Keep tabs on your score so that you know if your credit-building efforts are working. Lenders report to the credit bureaus every 30 to 45 days. The bureaus will generate your new score after this with the updated information.

Read your credit reports: Read over your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus. You can get them for free once a year from annualcreditreport.com. Look for any errors or signs of identity theft. If you find any inaccurate information, dispute it with the issuing bureau. Depending on the mark, you may be able to instantly boost your score.

Prioritize on-time payments: One of the most effective ways to avoid hurting your credit is to make all your payments on time. Payments that are over 90 days late can potentially drop your score by 100 points or more. Set up autopay to avoid missing due dates.

Pay more than the minimum: Making the minimum payment will keep your account in good standing, but you will incur interest. Always try to pay your bill in full. If you cannot afford to pay your bill in full, pay as much as you can.

Keep your usage low: Avoid maxing out your credit cards or getting anywhere near your limit. High credit utilization signals risk to lenders, even if you pay your balance in full later.

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Maintain old accounts: Closing old credit accounts may seem like a good move, but it can have a negative impact on your credit score. When you close an old account, you’ll shorten your credit history and raise your utilization ratio. Try to keep accounts open and active unless they have high annual fees.

Apply sparingly: While getting denied a credit card does not hurt your score, multiple applications in a short time will. This is because every time you apply, the lender will conduct a hard inquiry, which lowers your score. Instead, be strategic about when and why you apply. Wait at least six months between applications.

Open a mix of accounts: Once you have established a credit score, consider opening various types of accounts to further enhance it. For example, if you want to take out a mortgage, it would behove you to have a loan with a positive payment history on your credit report. Evidence that you can repay an installment loan as per the terms can make you a more attractive candidate.

Frequently asked questions

1. How to establish credit without a credit card?

You can establish credit without a credit card by using a credit-builder loan, becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account, or reporting rent and utility payments. These methods help build your payment history and credit profile.

2. What is the fastest way to build credit if you have no credit?

The fastest way to build credit with no history is to become an authorized user on a well-managed credit card account. Rent and utility reporting services can also accelerate results.  The key is to pay on time consistently.

3. How do I build my credit score if I can’t get a credit card?

If you can’t get a credit card, consider credit-builder loans or apply for a secured card that uses a refundable deposit. You can also report rent, utility, and phone payments to the credit bureaus. You may also be able to secure a small personal loan, especially if you enlist a co-signer. Whichever method you choose, make all your payments on time.

4. How to build credit without employment, a credit card, and bills?

You can build credit by opening a credit-builder loan or asking to become an authorized user. These strategies help build a credit history, even with minimal financial activity.

Bottom line

Credit scores are an essential part of modern life. They help potential lenders and landlords assess the risk of working with you. Everyone starts with no score, no credit history, and has to prove themselves. The best way to prove you’re responsible and establish a credit history depends on your financial situation.

Look into secured credit cards, becoming an authorized user, or credit-builder loans. Small personal loans or even auto loans can help establish credit or improve your score.

Whichever method or methods you choose, make all your payments on time. A positive payment history is the only way you’ll get a good score.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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About the author

Author Rachel Alulis 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.