Steps to Establish and Build Credit from Scratch

Starting your financial journey without a credit history can feel like trying to rent an apartment or get a loan with a blank resume. In the U.S., approximately 28 million people are considered "credit invisible," meaning they have no credit record with any of the three major credit bureaus. Additionally, about 21 million have credit files that are too limited to generate a credit score.​

This lack of credit history can make everyday financial tasks more challenging, like securing a credit card, buying a car, or even setting up utility services. But here's the good news: building credit from scratch is entirely achievable.​

This guide'll walk you through simple, actionable steps to help you responsibly establish and grow your credit profile. Whether new to credit or looking to rebuild, these strategies can set you on the path to financial confidence.​

Before exploring credit-building strategies, it's essential to understand what credit is and why it is so important in one's financial life.

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Understand What Credit Is and Why It Matters

Credit refers to the ability to borrow money or access goods and services with the understanding that you'll pay later. Your creditworthiness is determined by your credit history, which is compiled into a credit report by major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.​

Your credit report includes details about your borrowing and repayment history, such as loans, credit cards, and payment behaviors. This information is used to calculate your credit score, a numerical representation of your creditworthiness.​

Why Does Credit Matter?

Your credit score is a key factor that influences several critical aspects of your financial and personal life. It’s not just about borrowing money; a good credit score can open doors to better financial opportunities, lower costs, and even career advancements. Here’s why maintaining a strong credit history is essential:​

• Loan Approvals: Lenders use your credit score to assess the risk of lending to you. A higher score increases your chances of loan approval.​
• Interest Rates: A good credit score can qualify you for lower interest rates, saving you money over time.​
• Housing: Landlords often check credit scores to determine the reliability of potential tenants.​
• Employment: Some employers review credit reports as part of the hiring process, especially for roles involving financial responsibilities.​

Understanding these factors underscores the importance of building and maintaining a good credit history.

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1. Start with a Secured Credit Card

If you're new to credit or have a limited credit history, obtaining a traditional (unsecured) credit card can be challenging. A secured credit card offers a practical solution to begin building your credit.​

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card functions similarly to a regular credit card but requires a refundable security deposit. This deposit typically serves as your credit limit. For example, a $200 deposit would grant you a $200 credit limit. The card issuer holds this deposit as collateral in case you default on payments.​

How Does It Help Build Credit?

Using a secured credit card responsibly, making timely payments, and keeping your credit utilization low can positively impact your credit history. These activities are reported to the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), helping to establish and improve your credit score over time. 

Tips for Using a Secured Credit Card Effectively

• Make Timely Payments: Always pay at least the minimum payment by the due date. Payment history is a significant factor in your credit score.​
• Maintain Low Credit Utilization: Aim to use no more than 30% of your credit limit. For example, with a $200 limit, try to keep your balance below $60.
• Avoid Late Fees: Late payments can negatively affect your credit score and may lead to increased interest rates.​
• Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report to ensure your payments are being reported accurately. You can obtain a free report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.​

Where to Obtain a Secured Credit Card

Secured credit cards are commonly offered by:​

• Major Banks: Institutions like Capital One and Discover offer secured credit cards with competitive terms. ​
• Credit Unions: Local credit unions may provide secured cards with lower fees and interest rates.​
• Online Lenders: Some online financial institutions specialize in credit-building products, including secured cards.​

When selecting a secured credit card, compare fees, interest rates, and the process for transitioning to an unsecured card. Many issuers review your account after a period of responsible use and may offer to upgrade you to an unsecured card.​

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2. Apply for a Credit-Builder Loan

If you're new to credit or have a limited credit history, a credit-builder loan can be a valuable tool to establish and improve your credit profile.

What Is a Credit-Builder Loan?

A credit-builder loan is a financial product designed to help individuals build or rebuild their credit. Unlike traditional loans, where you receive funds upfront, with a credit-builder loan, the lender deposits the loan amount into a secured account, such as a certificate of deposit (CD) or savings account. You make fixed monthly payments over a set term, and once the loan is fully paid off, the funds are released to you .

How Does It Help Build Credit?

Your timely payments on a credit-builder loan are reported to the major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This consistent, on-time payment history contributes positively to your credit report, which can enhance your credit score over time. It's important to note that late or missed payments can negatively impact your credit, so it's crucial to make payments on time .

Who Can Benefit?

Credit-builder loans are particularly beneficial for:

• Individuals with no credit history: If you're "credit invisible," meaning you have no credit file, this loan can help you establish one.
• Those with a thin credit file: If you have limited credit history, a credit-builder loan can add diversity to your credit mix, which is a factor in credit scoring models .
• People looking to rebuild credit: If you've experienced financial setbacks, making consistent, on-time payments on a credit-builder loan can aid in rebuilding your credit.

Where to Find Credit-Builder Loans

Credit-builder loans are typically offered by:

• Community banks and credit unions: These institutions often provide competitive terms and may be more accessible to individuals with limited credit history.
• Online lenders: Some online platforms specialize in credit-building products, offering convenience and a range of options.

When considering a credit-builder loan, it's important to compare terms, interest rates, and fees. Ensure that the lender reports to all three major credit bureaus to maximize the impact on your credit history.

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3. Make Payments on Time, Every Time

Your payment history is the most significant factor influencing your credit score, accounting for approximately 35% of your FICO® Score. This means that consistently paying your bills on time is crucial for establishing and maintaining a positive credit profile. ​

Why Timely Payments Matter

Paying your bills on time demonstrates to lenders that you are a responsible borrower, which can lead to:​

• Better loan terms: A strong payment history can qualify you for lower interest rates and better loan conditions.​
• Higher credit limits: Lenders may be more willing to increase your credit limits if you have a history of timely payments.​
• Improved credit scores: Consistent on-time payments can gradually improve your credit score over time.​

Consequences of Late Payments

Even a single late payment can have a significant impact:​

• 30 days late: The lender may report the late payment to the credit bureaus, potentially causing your credit score to drop. ​
• 60 days late: The negative impact on your credit score intensifies, and you may incur higher interest rates.​
• 90+ days late: The most severe impact, potentially dropping your score by over 100 points. ​

Late payments can remain on your credit report for up to seven years, affecting your ability to secure favorable loan terms in the future. 

Tips to Ensure Timely Payments

• Set up reminders: Use calendar alerts or mobile apps to remind you of upcoming due dates.​
• Automate payments: Enroll in automatic payments for recurring bills to avoid missing due dates.​
• Pay early: Aim to pay bills a few days before the due date to account for any processing delays.​
• Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements to ensure all payments are made on time.​

By prioritizing timely payments, you can build a solid foundation for your credit history and improve your financial health over time.

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4. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Credit utilization—the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits—plays a significant role in determining your credit score. Ideally, you should aim to keep your credit utilization below 30%, meaning if your total credit limit is $1,000, your balance should not exceed $300. Maintaining a lower utilization rate can positively impact your credit score over time. ​

Why It Matters

High credit utilization can signal to lenders that you might be overextending financially, which can lower your credit score. Conversely, low utilization demonstrates responsible credit management. ​

Tips to Maintain Low Utilization

• Make Multiple Payments: Instead of waiting until your due date, consider making payments throughout the month to keep your balance low. ​
• Request Credit Limit Increases: If you've been managing your credit responsibly, ask your card issuer for a higher credit limit. This can lower your utilization ratio, provided your spending doesn't increase. 
• Use Multiple Credit Cards: Spreading your purchases across different cards can help maintain a lower utilization rate on each. ​

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5. Diversify Your Credit Mix

Your credit mix, the variety of credit accounts you have, accounts for about 10% of your FICO® Score. A diverse mix, including credit cards, installment loans (like auto or student loans), and retail accounts, can positively influence your score. ​

Why It Matters

Lenders prefer to see that you can manage different types of credit responsibly. However, it's essential to only open new accounts when necessary and when you can manage them effectively.​

Tips to Diversify Your Credit

• Consider Different Credit Products: If you only have credit cards, you might explore other types of credit, such as a small personal loan, to diversify your credit mix.​
• Be Cautious with New Accounts: Each new credit application can result in a hard inquiry, which may temporarily lower your credit score. Open new accounts only when beneficial.​

6. Monitor Your Credit Regularly

Regularly checking your credit report helps you stay informed about your credit status and spot any inaccuracies or fraudulent activities early.​

Why It Matters

Errors on your credit report can negatively impact your score. Regular monitoring allows you to dispute inaccuracies promptly.​

Tips for Monitoring Your Credit

• Obtain Free Reports: You're entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, via AnnualCreditReport.com.​
• Use Credit Monitoring Services: Consider enrolling in credit monitoring services that provide alerts for significant changes to your credit report.​

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Summing Up

Building credit from scratch may seem challenging at first, but with the right steps, you can set yourself up for long-term financial success. Whether it's starting with a secured credit card, making timely payments, or keeping your credit utilization low, each of these actions will help you establish a strong credit history.

At Shepherd Outsourcing Services, we understand that managing debt and building credit can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to help. Our team of experts offers tailored debt management plans and credit-building solutions to help you reach your financial goals. Don't face this process alone; reach out to us today to get started on the path to financial freedom.

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FAQs

1. How long does it take to build credit from scratch?

A: Building credit from scratch can take time. Typically, it takes at least 3 to 6 months of consistent, responsible credit activity before you start seeing significant changes in your credit score. However, it may take a year or more to build a strong credit history.

2. What is the best way to start building credit if I have no credit history?

A: The best way to start building credit with no history is by applying for a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan. These options allow you to demonstrate responsible credit usage while protecting the lender with a security deposit.

3. Does checking my credit score hurt my credit?

A: No, checking your own credit score does not affect your credit. This is known as a soft inquiry, which has no impact on your credit score. It's a good idea to check your credit regularly to stay informed about your credit status.

4. Can I improve my credit score if I have missed payments in the past?

A: Yes, even if you have missed payments in the past, you can still improve your credit score. The key is to make timely payments moving forward and keep your credit utilization low. Over time, positive behavior will outweigh past mistakes, and your credit score will improve.

5. Is it necessary to have multiple credit cards to build good credit?

A: No, having multiple credit cards isn't necessary to build good credit. However, responsibly managing one or two cards and keeping your credit utilization low can be enough to establish and maintain good credit.

6. How do I know if I'm ready to apply for a credit card?

A: Before applying for a credit card, ensure that you have a steady income and a budget in place. You should also be confident that you can make at least the minimum payments on time each month. If you’re just starting, consider applying for a secured credit card first.

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