How did you get your credit started?

Question

i'm having a hard time starting my credit. I just need some ideas what works good and what doesnt.

The do's and donts about starting credit

Answer 1

Well, I had a debit card and wanted to start credit so I got a credit card (you should start with a major credit card). I do not like credit cards, but in this world you need credit if you cant put cash down on a house. So, I put a few things on the card a month and I pay more than the minimum due on my bill. I have never had anything due on my bill since my first one because I continue to pay even when there is nothing due. This is so I do not get caught up in the credit card life and get into debt. Debt is a bad thing. We all know this.
I only put on the card what I can pay off immediately. If you really have no need for a credit card, just get one and put a few things on it and pay it off and keep reapeating. Dont get a credit card to build credit and then get yourself lost in the money you owe. Just get a card and pay what you can, you will still get credit and it will be good credit.
I have only had my card for a month and a half and I started out with a $300 limit. I now have a $2500 limit. Though I do not go to my limit, I only put on a $150 on my card a month.
Good luck with building credit.

Answer 2

The best thing is to get a store credit card, the kind that is only used at a particular place, such as Target, Kohls, Meijers, wherever you like to shop. You only need one to start off with, you can get another later. Go to the store with enough money to purchase whatever you need that day. Select your items and then purchase them with the credit card. Then, immediately pay off the balance with the money you brought with you. Keep the card well under your credit limit and do not leave a balance. For example, I turned 18 and immediately got a Kohls and Elder Bierman card. I did as outlined, purchasing only what I could afford and paying it off in line as soon as I charged it. I just recently turned 21 and have the first real credit card ever. Also, I have a credit score of 720, which is phenomenal for someone my age, so I know it works. Again, keep the cards open and do not overspend or keep a limit. This will ensure success! Good luck!

Answer 3

I started my credit with one credit card. I used it once a month -- for something I could definitely pay off at the end of the month -- such as gas or an item that was under $30. Then I paid the balance in full at the end of the month. Just carrying a credit card and keeping the account in good standing will help you start your credit. Remember paying the only the minimum payment is never a good idea and spending your entire credit line is a terrible idea.

Answer 4

Store credit cards are usually the best way to start, unless you can get an unsecured Visa or Mastercard from your bank.

You are trying to establish a reliable payment history, so start small, and always pay bills on time. Make small purchases and pay off balance in 1-2 months. Keep doing this and it will help build your credit.

Make sure you don't get more accounts than your income will support. You should have about 1/3 or less dollar amount of credit compared to your earnings to start. Then you can step it up as your rating and income rise.

Answer 5

got my first credit card in college

there are two tricks to establishing great credit......first keep your first credit card basically forever just to establish history...even if you stop using it

second.....the more often you are "comfortably" under your credit limit the better. It shows you dont need all the credit you have. The flip side of that is dont go out and get more credit than you need.

It's a balance.

Basically dont be a typical consumer and go on shopping sprees without being able to pay for what you buy. In other words dont be me. haha

Answer 6

As soon as I was 18, i got a credit card. I mainly put gas on the credit card and I payed it off every month for 2 years straight. No late payments. My credit was good ever since.

Answer 7

Find somebody who will advance you credit; credit card companies are always on the hunt for new customers. Then pay your bills on time, and in full, every month.

Answer 8

I bought a snowmobile and by paying the monthy payment I got credit

Answer 9

I got a card from Macy's, made purchases and paid them off every month.

Answer 10

♥ ♥ by making payments on something, use it wisely....sometimes jewelry stores are good places to start, buy something small and useful, make your payments on time....some furniture stores also carry their own credit.... ♥ ♥