Establishing credit

Learn how to start building credit and establish healthy financial habits.

Editors' picks

Portrait of a smiling young girl laying on a grass at the park, using laptop computer.

How to Establish Credit as a Young Person

By Louis DeNicola

Apr 10, 2024

Woman sitting outside holding credit card and phone

5 Accounts That Help Build Credit and 5 That Don’t

By Ben Luthi

Jun 13, 2023

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6 Ways to Build Good Credit With Your First Credit Card

By Evelyn Waugh

Nov 22, 2022

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What others are reading

Smiling young woman uses her credit card for online shopping in her living room

How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit

A credit card can help you build or rebuild your credit. Here's how it works and how you c...

By Louis DeNicola

Feb 29, 2024

7 Ways to Build Credit if You Have No Credit History

By Taylor Medine

Feb 13, 2024

What Is a Credit Builder Loan?

By Experian Team

May 16, 2017

8 Ways to Help Your Teen Build Good Credit Now

By Jennifer Brozic

Feb 28, 2024

Does Leasing a Car Build Credit?

By Ben Luthi

Aug 25, 2023

How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?

By Ben Luthi

Feb 8, 2023

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The latest from our experts

Credit Building for Immigrants: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re new to the U.S., learn how to build credit from scratch with this step-by-step g...

By Karen Axelton

Aug 1, 2025

How to Build Good Credit After College

To build credit as a new grad, check your credit report, review what goes into a good cred...

By Brianna McGurran

Jun 30, 2025

Can You Build Credit With a Debit Card?

While it's important to use your debit card responsibly, most probably won't help you buil...

By Marianne Hayes

Dec 4, 2023

Should I Get a Secured Loan to Build My Credit?

If you choose a secured loan you can afford, you'll get financing that helps you advance y...

By Brianna McGurran

Oct 20, 2023

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved for New Credit

Creditors consider various factors including your credit score, debts and income. Here's h...

By Louis DeNicola

Oct 9, 2023

How Debit-Credit Hybrid Cards Can Help You Build Credit

If you’re starting to build credit or working to rebuild your credit score, debit-credit h...

By Ben Luthi

Mar 28, 2023

Why Is It Important to Establish Credit When Young?

Establishing credit and learning to use it wisely when you are young can make your transit...

By Jennifer White

May 14, 2022

How to Start Building Credit

Building a solid credit history while still in college can be challenging, but will be a g...

By Jennifer White

Nov 24, 2021

5 Ways Immigrants Can Build Credit in the United States

Most immigrants to the U.S. must build credit from scratch to qualify for everything from ...

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

Oct 15, 2021

Credit Mistakes to Avoid When You Are Young

To have good credit when you're ready to get a job, rent an apartment or get a car loan, f...

By Gayle Sato

May 4, 2021

How Important Is It to Establish an 18-Year-Old’s Credit?

Establishing your credit at an early age can set you up nicely for the future. Your credit...

By Jennifer White

Sep 18, 2020

How Long Should I Stay on My Parent’s Credit Card Account?

Being an authorized user on your parents' credit cards can help build a credit history. Bu...

By Karen Axelton

May 27, 2020

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Establishing credit

Editors' picks

How to Establish Credit as a Young Person

5 Accounts That Help Build Credit and 5 That Don’t

6 Ways to Build Good Credit With Your First Credit Card

Take action with these tools

Experian Go™

Best secured credit cards

Best credit cards for bad credit

Experian Boost®

Free Experian app

What others are reading

How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit

7 Ways to Build Credit if You Have No Credit History

What Is a Credit Builder Loan?

8 Ways to Help Your Teen Build Good Credit Now

Does Leasing a Car Build Credit?

How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?

Explore more topics

The latest from our experts

Credit Building for Immigrants: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Build Good Credit After College

Can You Build Credit With a Debit Card?

Should I Get a Secured Loan to Build My Credit?

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved for New Credit

How Debit-Credit Hybrid Cards Can Help You Build Credit

Why Is It Important to Establish Credit When Young?

How to Start Building Credit

5 Ways Immigrants Can Build Credit in the United States

Credit Mistakes to Avoid When You Are Young

How Important Is It to Establish an 18-Year-Old’s Credit?

How Long Should I Stay on My Parent’s Credit Card Account?

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