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.
Trying to build credit and getting no where?
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.
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.