To build credit without a credit card can feel like embarking on a hike up Mt. Everest without the proper gear.
The truth is, you need to have established credit history and a consistent history of making payments to qualify for things you may want to do or buy in the future: a car loan, an apartment lease, a mortgage, etc.
Good credit history is a crucial part of your financial health and has far-reaching implications. It’s not just about getting approved for car loans or credit cards; having a good credit score can impact various aspects of your life.
A high credit score can lead to lower interest rates on loans, saving you significant money over time. It can also influence your ability to secure rental housing, as landlords often check credit scores to assess if you’re likely to pay rent consistently and on time.
Some employers even check credit reports during the hiring process, especially for jobs related to finance or handling of money.
Establishing and maintaining good credit by making on time payments and having a positive payment history is an essential aspect of financial responsibility and stability.
Maybe you don’t qualify for your own credit card, maybe you have a limited credit history, or maybe you just don’t want one.
In this blog post, we discuss some simple ways to build your credit rating without a credit card.
#1 Get a Secured Credit Card
Secured credit cards are an excellent alternative to a traditional credit card. Unlike a standard unsecured credit card, secured cards require a cash deposit that serves as your credit limit. This means the card issuer has a safety net in case of missed payments.
The beauty of a secured card is that it allows you to build or rebuild your credit score as you demonstrate consistent, responsible use. Over time, this can lead to improved credit health and the possibility of qualifying for a regular credit card.
Remember, though, it’s still vital to make your repayments on time and in full to avoid negative impacts on your credit score.
#2 Get a Co-signer
One easy way to start building credit is to get a co-signer. Find someone in your life who has a good credit score and is willing to co-sign for you.
This could be a family member such as a parent, a sibling, or even a close friend. With their backing, you’ll be able to open up a loan or a line of credit and start building credit.
This can be an awkward conversation to have. Come prepared with a detailed plan on why and how you will be able to make the monthly payments.
Just be sure to make your payments on time, because if you don’t, your co-signer’s credit score will suffer too.
Open a Joint Account
Opening a joint account with your co-signer is another low-risk method for building credit. This could be a joint savings or checking account at a bank or credit union.
When the account is opened, both parties have equal access and responsibility for managing it. If managed properly with regular deposits and no overdrafts, a joint account can help establish a positive credit history.
It’s important to have open communication and mutual agreement with your co-signer about the account usage, as any mismanagement can negatively impact both parties’ credit scores.
Obtain a Student Loan
For students looking to build credit, federal student loans can be a good approach. A co-signer with a solid credit history can help secure these loans, which typically come with lower interest rates and flexible repayment options compared to other types of loans.
Repaying the student loan on time can contribute to building a robust credit history. However, it’s crucial to remember that defaulting on the loan will harm both your and your co-signer’s credit scores.
#3 Enroll in Credit-Building Classes
Taking credit-building classes is another effective way to build your credit without a credit card. Many non-profit organizations offer courses that teach you about credit management and personal finance.
You’ll learn about how credit scores are calculated, the importance of paying bills on time, and how to manage your budget effectively. Some of these programs can even report your course participation to credit bureaus, which can help boost your credit score.
Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding how credit works is a solid step towards building a healthier credit history.
#4 Rent & Utility Payments
Did you know that you can build credit simply by paying your rent and utility bills on time?
There are several online services that report your payments to credit bureaus, helping you build credit without taking on additional debt.
Online Services Reporting Rent and Utility Payments
Numerous online services facilitate the reporting of your timely rent and utility payments to credit bureaus, which can contribute to your credit-building efforts.
RentTrack
RentTrack is an online service that reports your monthly rent payments to all three major credit bureaus. By ensuring timely rent payment, you can build your credit history through this service.
Experian Boost
Experian Boost is a free service from Experian that allows you to add utility and phone bill payments to your credit report. This service is unique because it allows you to receive credit for paying bills that you’re already paying.
CreditRentBoost
CreditRentBoost is a service that helps you build credit by reporting your regular rent payments to the major credit bureaus. This service works by communicating with your landlord or property manager to verify your on-time rent payments, and then these verified payments are reported to the credit bureaus.
Consequently, your credit score gets a boost without the need for taking on additional credit. It’s a straightforward and effective method for people seeking to build or improve their credit history by leveraging their regular, timely rent payments.
Remember, it’s essential to ensure that these services report to all three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This guarantees that your credit-building efforts are reflected across your entire credit profile.
Check with your landlord or utility company to see if they work with any of these services. If not, ask them to start!
#5 Cell Phone Payments
Cell phone payments can also significantly contribute to building your credit history. If you sign a contract with a cell phone provider, your payment history can be reported to credit bureaus.
This means that by regularly paying your cell phone bill on time, you are demonstrating financial responsibility. Over time, this can positively impact your credit score. Some cellular companies may require a credit check before signing a contract, so it’s important to keep this in mind.
Remember, consistency is key and missing payments can negatively affect your credit score. Just like with any other credit-building strategy, timely payments are crucial.
#6 Become an Authorized User
If you’re not ready to take on a credit card yourself, consider becoming an authorized user on someone else’s card. This means you’ll get a card with your name on it, but the primary cardholder is responsible for the payments.
While this won’t show up on your credit report as an individual account, it will still help you build credit as the primary cardholder’s credit utilization and payment history will be reported as well.
#7 Take Out a Credit Builder Loan
A Credit Builder Loan is a unique type of loan primarily designed to help individuals build or repair their credit.
When you take out a Credit Builder Loan, the lender holds the loan amount in a bank account while you make payments. The key is that these payments are reported to the credit bureaus, which means that each on-time payment helps to build your credit history.
When the loan is fully paid off, the funds are released to you. This method not only helps to build credit but also encourages savings. It’s important to ensure you make all payments on time, as late payments can negatively impact your credit score.
Remember, the main goal is to demonstrate to lenders your ability to consistently make payments, proving you’re a suitable candidate for future credit or loans.
#8 Check Your Credit Report
Finally, it’s important to regularly check your FICO score to make sure that everything is accurate. Errors on your report could negatively impact your credit score and make it harder for you to get approved for loans or lines of credit.
If there are errors on your report, it’s critical to take immediate steps to rectify them. You can do this by submitting a dispute with the credit bureau that generated the report in question.
The dispute process often involves providing details about the error, and any relevant documents or information that supports your claim. Once the dispute is filed, the credit bureau usually reviews the case and updates the report if your claim is verified.
Regularly checking your report and promptly addressing any inaccuracies ensures that your credit score is a true reflection of your financial responsibility and creditworthiness.
You can get a free credit report annually from each of the three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – at AnnualCreditReport.com.
What Now?
Building credit without a credit card may seem like a challenge, but there are several ways to do it. From getting a co-signer to paying your rent on time, there are plenty of options for women who want to start building their credit score.
Building credit is a journey, not a sprint. It is normal to face hurdles and setbacks along the way. However, it’s critical not to get discouraged.
Remember, every step you take contributes to your larger financial goals. Understand that your credit score won’t skyrocket overnight, but with time, patience, and consistency, you will see improvement.
Each bill you pay on time, each loan installment you clear, and each financial decision you make contributes to your overall credit health. The key is to remain persistent and not allow temporary setbacks to deter you from your long-term objectives.
Remember, building credit takes time, patience, and responsible financial behavior.
With these strategies, you’ll be on your way to a great credit score in no time.
Who knows, maybe you will end up helping someone out who needs to build credit in the future.
