1. Start with a product you can manage, such as a secured card or qualifying credit-builder account.
Start with a product you can manage, such as a secured card or qualifying credit-builder account. This step should be verified against the institution or agency involved in your situation. Requirements can vary, and a careful comparison is more useful than applying quickly.
2. Confirm that the provider reports to the major credit bureaus.
Confirm that the provider reports to the major credit bureaus. This step should be verified against the institution or agency involved in your situation. Requirements can vary, and a careful comparison is more useful than applying quickly.
3. Pay every bill on time and keep card balances low relative to limits.
Pay every bill on time and keep card balances low relative to limits. This step should be verified against the institution or agency involved in your situation. Requirements can vary, and a careful comparison is more useful than applying quickly.
4. Review credit reports for accuracy and dispute errors through official channels.
Review credit reports for accuracy and dispute errors through official channels. This step should be verified against the institution or agency involved in your situation. Requirements can vary, and a careful comparison is more useful than applying quickly.
What to do next
Write down the requirements, costs, and deadlines that apply to you. Use official channels for applications and never send sensitive personal information in response to an unsolicited message.
Sources
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-and-keep-a-good-credit-score-en-318/
- https://www.annualcreditreport.com/
Use our neutral product overview after you understand the basics.
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