Financial Education

How to build credit as a college student

Don't let your lack of credit history hold you back from achieving your financial goals. Here's how to build credit as a college student and start paving the way for a bright future. Keep reading!

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Tips and tricks to improve your credit as a student

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Discover how you can build your score as a college student. Read on! Source: Adobe Stock

How to build your credit as a college student? You might have asked this question if you’re studying. And we can help you get the answers you need!

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A good credit score can help you get approved for housing and car loans and lower interest rates on credit cards and other loans. Here are a few tips for you to get started.

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What is a good credit score for college students?

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Learn what is considered a good score. Keep reading! Source: Adobe Stock

One of the most important things to start thinking about is building strong finances early in life, and having good habits now will help achieve that goal.

A credit score is a number that lenders use to determine how likely you are to repay a loan.

A good credit score is typically considered to be above 650, and an excellent credit score is considered to be above 700.

College students often have little or no credit history, making it more difficult to get approval for loans or credit cards.

However, there are a few things college students can do to build their credit, such as using a credit card responsibly, paying bills on time, and maintaining a good credit utilization ratio.

Also, students usually have co-signers to help them start with credit. Then they can improve their chances of qualifying for loans and getting better interest rates when they borrow money.

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Why is it important to start building credit as a student?

College is a milestone for almost everyone. After all, it’s the moment we start being more responsible about our money and have more responsibilities.

Then, financial goals start to pop up, and we need to cope with them in order to achieve our goals.

Thinking about that, the earlier you prepare for your credit life, the easier it will be to reach those things you have in mind.

Also, for college students, a good credit score is important for many reasons, especially because it is the key to many important life changes.

First, a strong credit score can help you get approved for loans, mortgages, credit cards, and other financial aid forms.

It can also help you get a lower interest rate on these products, consequently saving money. Finally, a good credit score can be helpful when you apply for apartments and jobs.

So, if you start building your credit while in college, there are greater chances you will get the job you want and the place you deserve.

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7 ways to build credit as a college student

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Grab a pen and take notes on tips amazing tips to help you build your score. Read on! Source: Adobe Stock

We’ll help you to answer the question, “How to build your credit score as a college student?” There are many ways to do that, don’t worry.

It might seem daunting since you probably have no credit history yet, but starting is easier than you think.

Thinking about that, we’ve gathered seven handy tips to help you start building your score. Have a look at them:

1. Apply for a credit card

If you have a job, you may be able to get a credit card with a small limit. You can use it for gas or other daily expenses and pay it off monthly. It will help you build credit.

Many lenders offer cards to build credit, so it’s not going to be difficult to find one for you.

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2. Get a secured card

A secured card requires a security deposit to open your credit. You’ll pay about $200 and use it as a credit limit.

They don’t require a minimum score since they are a common alternative for students and people who need credit repair.

Make sure you make your payments on time. That’s because the lender will report your credit use to the three credit bureaus. Therefore, your credit score will increase if you are considered a good payer.

3. Apply for a student credit card

These cards are designed to help students build credit. Usually, they come with no annual fee and offer discounts and cashback, so you can build your credit if you use them wisely.

4. Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card

If you become an authorized user, the primary cardholder agrees to let you use their card.

Then the credit activity will appear on your credit report, consequently building your score.

The only thing you’ll have to worry about is that the primary cardholder must pay their bill on time. By doing that, not only the provider’s but your credit score will grow.

5. Pay your bills on time

It is one of the most important factors when considering a healthy credit score. If you pay your bills on time, lenders will likely see you as creditworthy since your reports will be positive.

6. Check your credit report regularly

If you check your credit report regularly, you can quickly catch any errors or fraudulent activity and dispute them if necessary.

Additionally, this will help you keep track of your progress in building credit. So, you’ll know where you stand and how much more you need to achieve good credit.

7. Keep your balances low

It means that you shouldn’t max out your credit cards or have a lot of debt compared to your credit limit (also known as your “credit utilization ratio”).

A higher Credit utilization ratio can hurt your score, so it’s important to keep it low. Following these simple steps can build a strong student credit history.

Then it will put you in a good position when it comes time to buy your first car or house.

Remember, it’s never too early to start thinking about your future and how you can make the most of your opportunities.

Moreover, if you want to keep improving your finances, you can read our post below to learn how to get financial fitness!

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