It can seem hard to build credit when you're a child. But it is possible. To build credit, there are some things you can do as a young person. Having one or two credit lines is a great start. You can also sign a loan, credit card, or other loan with a co-signer.
Authorized users
Not only is credit an important life skill but it can also help with your future goals. A good credit score can help you save money and get the best terms possible on your financial products. It takes some forethought and research, but it will pay off in the long run.
Co-signing a loan/credit card
You need to be careful when you co-sign for a loan. You have to decide whether or not you can trust this person and if they are financially able to handle the obligations. Banks do not care about what you are doing; they only want to see that you repay the debt.
How to get a cell phone plan
You can build your credit and get a low-credit cell phone plan. There are many options. These plans are an excellent option for people who don’t wish to commit to long-term contracts. Prepaid plans are also typically much less expensive than traditional plans. You can also add users for very small fees. Major carriers often offer incentives for adding more users.
Secured credit cards
It is a good idea to get a secured creditcard in order to build your credit score. These cards are similar to regular credit cards, except that they require a deposit, usually the equivalent of the credit limit. In addition, your activity on these cards is reported to the three major credit bureaus, which can 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 card can be a great option for anyone who is interested in building credit. For new customers, most banks offer a free FICO rating once per billing cycle. The debit card is very similar to a prepaid card in the sense that you can withdraw funds from your bank account. If linked to a credit line, the debit card can help you build credit.
Make minimum payments on credit cards
Young adults can help build credit by making minimum credit card payments. Unfortunately, young adults don't have a lot of credit history or income, so their options are limited. Young adults should aim for paying their monthly balances and not carrying more than 30% of their credit.