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Momentum moves

Building Credit

Build or rebuild credit with steady moves. Use secured cards, builder loans, rent reporting, and simple habits to prove you can handle payments.

  • Common secured deposit$200–$500
  • Typical graduation window6–12 mo.
  • Max builder loan term24 mo.
  • Aim for broad reporting3+ bureaus
Secured credit cards
  • You leave a deposit (often $200–$500) and the card reports to the bureaus.
  • Use it for small buys, pay in full, and ask about graduation after 6–12 on-time months.
  • Avoid cards with high fees that eat most of your limit.
Credit-builder loans
  • The lender holds the loan in savings while you make fixed monthly payments.
  • Most loans are $300–$1,000 over 6–24 months and report to all three bureaus.
  • Pick a payment that fits your budget so you never miss one.
Rent & phone reporting
  • Rent does not show up by default—ask your landlord or sign up for a reporting service.
  • Pick a service that reports to many bureaus, lists fees clearly, and explains late-payment rules.
  • Tools like Experian Boost® can also add certain utility or phone payments.
Authorized user boost
  • Join a trusted person’s well-managed card to share their positive history.
  • Make sure the card has low balances and on-time payments or it could hurt you.
  • Ask if the bank reports authorized users and step off the card if things change.
Student-friendly starter stack
Secured or student credit cardCredit-builder loanRent or utility reportingAuthorized user slot
90-day launch plan
  1. Week 1
    Pull all three credit reports and note any errors or negative marks.
  2. Week 2
    Open a secured or starter card and turn on autopay for the minimum.
  3. Week 3
    Research a credit-builder loan and be sure the payment fits your budget.
  4. Week 4
    Ask about rent reporting or pick a service that reports to several bureaus.
  5. Week 5
    Make a simple budget and start a small emergency fund.
  6. Week 6
    Ask a trusted person to add you as an authorized user if possible.
  7. Week 7
    Make your first payments on time and keep balances low.
  8. Week 8
    Review spending, adjust autopay, and plan payments before statements close.
  9. Week 9
    Send an extra payment toward the builder loan or a high-interest card.
  10. Week 10
    Check reports for updates, celebrate wins, and fix any errors you spot.
  11. Week 11
    Consider a second starter card only if your score improved and you can manage it.
  12. Week 12
    Keep the routine going: on-time payments, low balances, and regular checks.