Credit

Without credit, it is impossible to purchase a vehicle, a home or even rent an apartment. Thus, building up a good credit history is essential for any adult. Build credit by starting small. College students are regularly offered credit cards with small credit lines. These cards are an excellent way to begin building credit. Additionally, local department stores may be willing to issue a credit card although the applicant has little or no credit history. By charging purchases and paying them off on time, a positive credit history begins to be built. It is important to have only one or two cards and to not spend up to (or over) your credit limit.

Other good ways to build credit include:

• residing at one location for several years, rather than changing apartments and addresses every couple of months
• getting telephone or utility service in your name, even if you have to pay a deposit (it will eventually be refunded)
• maintaining stable employment

Other Topics In This Section

• Credit Cards and Debit Cards
• Maintaining Your Credit
• Credit Fraud
• Identity Theft
• Check Fraud