0→700 plan
- Secured credit card (deposit-backed; low limit is fine).
- Credit-builder loan (funds locked while you "repay," then released).
- Authorized user on a well-managed, older card (low utilization, no lates).
- Report on-time payments (rent/phone) via approved services.
- Automate payments to avoid accidental lates.
- Keep utilization <10–30% of limit.
Timeline
First score may appear in ~1–3 months; meaningful growth in ~3–6 months with perfect habits.
Mistakes to avoid
- Applying for many cards at once
- Letting balances report near the limit
- Missing a single payment (massive score hit)
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I build credit from zero?
First score appears in 1-3 months; good credit possible in 3-6 months with perfect habits.
Should I become an authorized user?
Yes, if the primary holder has excellent payment history and low utilization.