Credit cards can be a great tool for building credit, but they aren’t the only way to build credit. Here are 5 ways you can start building credit without a credit card:
1. Become an authorized user
If you don’t qualify for a credit card on your own, you can become an authorized user on a family member or friend’s account. You don’t have to put any charges on the card to get credit for on-time payments, but keep in mind that not all credit cards report on authorized users.
2. Pay your loans on time
Whether you have a personal loan, student loan, auto loan or a mortgage, making on-time, in-full payments each month will help build your credit.
3. Use Brigit Credit Builder
Brigit’s Credit Builder is designed to help you build credit, even if you have no credit to begin with. Here’s how it works: We open a 24-month loan on your behalf, and keep the funds in a deposit account. You decide how much you want to contribute towards your monthly payment, as little as $1/month. We’ll report these on-time payments to the three major credit bureaus, and you’ll save the money you contribute along the way.
4. Open a secured card
This functions more like a debit card than a credit card in that you supply a cash deposit in advance, so a $500 deposit gets you $500 in credit. These are typically easier to qualify for than a regular credit card. Just make sure the issuing company reports payment information to the three major credit bureaus.
5. Get credit for your rent payments
Did you know your monthly rent payments can help you build credit? Ask your landlord or rental company to submit your on-time payments to the credit bureaus.
