When you’re looking for ways to start building credit, it can be tough to know where to begin.
This is especially true if you’ve never had a credit card before.
But before you go applying for multiple lines of credit, here are a few tips to help you build your credit sustainably.
1. Repay Your Student Loans
If you’ve taken out loans to pay for a college education, you’re in luck. This means you already have a line of credit out that you need to pay back! While it might not feel great to have student loans that you need to pay off, this is an excellent way to build your credit.
So long as you pay the correct amount on your student loans every month, you should be able to steadily build your credit score without needing to apply for a credit card. It is important, however, to make sure you’re paying your loans on time.
Missing a payment or making a late payment could result in doing harm to your credit score, so make sure you either schedule your payments in advance or make a note on your calendar every month.
2. Invest in a House
As of January 2019, American homeowners had over $9 trillion in mortgage debt. But if you want to continue to build up your credit, a mortgage payment is an excellent way to do so.
Not only does investing in a house give you a line of credit, but it also gives you the opportunity to make improvements to the property. If the work you do in your house increases the value enough, you may even be able to sell it for a profit and invest in a better home for yourself. And the credit score you’ve built by paying your mortgage on time every month will help you get one step closer to that bigger, better house that you’re dreaming of.
3. Buy a New Car
How long have you had that old clunker you’ve been driving? You might love it, but it could be on its last legs. That, and the mileage is probably doing more harm than good to the engine and the environment.
Fortunately, there are programs that can offer up to $7,500 in tax credits when you buy an electric vehicle. But tax credits aside, buying a new car and signing up for a monthly car payment is a great way to build up your credit score. And while you’re building up your credit score, you’re also investing in your safety while you’re on the road.
This is a line of credit that really gives back to you by allowing you a means of transportation and a potentially eco-friendly option, to boot.
4. Make Small Investments
Did you know that there are over 1,500 forms of cryptocurrency that exist just in the United States? With so many forms of virtual currency, making tiny investments can be a good idea. If you invest in a few virtual currencies, you may just find that you get a return on that investment and build credit at the same time.
In addition, these small investments can help build variety in your credit account. Diversifying your lines of credit and your investments can help you build a great credit score, even if you don’t keep those same lines of credit forever.
Building a great credit score requires a number of different strategies. These are some of the simplest tips to help you get started. With them, you should be on your way to building up your credit in no time.