Have you ever wanted to build a good credit score but felt stuck because you don’t have a credit card? There’s a clever trick you might not know about. You can ask someone you trust, like a parent or a family member, to add you to their credit card as an “authorized user.” It’s a simple idea that can help your credit history get started.Think of it like getting a boost from a teammate. When that person adds you to their account, the history of that card starts to show up on your credit report. A credit report is like a report card for how you handle money. If the main cardholder pays their bill on time every month and doesn’t spend too much, that good behavior gets linked to your name. It’s like getting credit for being on a winning team, even if you’re not the one throwing the ball. This can help you build a positive credit history without having to get your own card first.Now, this is a big favor to ask, and it only works if it’s done right. The most important part is trust. You need to ask someone who is very responsible with their money. You are trusting them to make good choices because their choices affect your credit. They also need to trust you completely. Even though you might get your own card with your name on it, you should not use it unless you both agree on a plan. The main cardholder is still responsible for paying for everything that is bought. Because of this, many people do this just for the credit boost and don’t even use the card at all. It sits in a drawer while the good payment history does its work.Before you ask, have a serious talk. Explain that you want to build your credit for your future, like maybe to get a car loan or rent an apartment. Promise that you understand it’s their account and that you will follow their rules. You should also ask if their card company reports authorized user activity to the credit bureaus, because that’s how your credit gets the help. Most big companies do, but it’s good to check.Remember, this plan has a risk. If the main cardholder pays late or runs up a huge bill, that negative mark could also land on your credit report. That’s why picking the right person is everything. It should be someone with a long history of paying on time. If things go well, being an authorized user can give your credit score a strong and healthy start. It’s a powerful first step on your path to good credit, all by simply asking for a little help from someone who believes in you.
You can find out your score in a few easy ways. Many banks and credit card companies now offer free credit score access right in your online account. You can also use trusted websites like AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major bureaus once a year. Some services provide your score for free as part of their monitoring. It’s your information, so you have a right to see it!
Get a secured credit card. You put down a cash deposit (like $200) which becomes your credit limit. Use it for small, regular purchases, like groceries or gas, and pay the full balance on time every single month. This reports positive payment history to the credit bureaus. Also, ask if your landlord uses a rent reporting service. Doing both at once gives you two streams of positive history.
The safest and most common first step is to add them as an authorized user on your credit card. This means they get a card linked to your account, but you are still fully responsible for the bill. Your good payment history on that card can then show up on their credit report, giving them a positive boost. Just remember, any mistakes you make (like late payments) will hurt their credit too, so only do this if you pay your bill on time every month.
Credit Sesame is great for a broad view. It provides a free credit score and monitors your report from one bureau. For a complete picture, you should also use AnnualCreditReport.com. That’s the official site where, by law, you can get a free report from all three bureaus once every week. Use them together for the best monitoring.
Sometimes, but not always. Some landlords or property companies may offer it for free. If they don’t, you’ll likely need to use a third-party service. These services often charge a fee, either a small monthly amount or a one-time setup fee. Always check for any costs before you sign up, and make sure the service reports to all three major credit bureaus.
