When you are a child, it may seem difficult to start building credit. However, it is possible. There are a few things you can do at a young age to start building credit. Having one or two credit lines is a great start. You can also cosign for a loan or credit card.
Authorized usership
Building credit is not only an important life skill, but it can also help you get the things you want later in life. A good credit score can help you save money and get the best terms possible on your financial products. It takes research and some planning but it will pay off long-term.
Co-signing for a loan or credit card
Co-signing for credit cards or loans can help improve your credit score, but you should be cautious. You must decide if the person is trustworthy and able to pay the debts. Banks won't be interested in your good intentions. Instead, they want to ensure that you pay the debt.
Getting a cell phone plan
If you have good credit history, you may be eligible for a plan that requires low credit. There are many different options, including prepaid plans that don't pull your credit. These plans are great for those who don't want a long-term contract. Prepaid plans are generally cheaper than traditional plans and you can easily add users to your plan for very little extra money. Many major carriers offer incentives to add users.
Secured Credit Card
You can build your credit history by getting a secured card. These cards can be used in the same way as regular credit cards but require a deposit. This is usually equivalent to the credit limit. Additionally, these cards are reported to the three main credit bureaus. This will help you establish your credit history. Eventually, this will help you get a regular credit card or other credit products.
Getting a debit card
A debit credit card is a great way to improve your credit rating. A majority of banks offer new customers a free FICO score once per billing cycle. In that you can withdraw funds from your bank accounts, the debit card is similar to a pre-paid card. But, it can be linked to existing credit lines and build credit.
Making minimum payments on credit cards
Making minimum payments on credit cards can help young adults build their credit history. The options for young adults with limited income and credit histories are limited. Young adults should strive to pay off their debts each month and not have a credit card balance greater than 30%.