Simple steps. Real help. No judgment.

If your credit isn’t great—or you don’t have any—that does NOT mean you failed.
It just means no one ever taught you.
That changes right here, right now.

🏦 1️⃣ Open a LOCAL Bank Account

This is step one. Always.

If you don’t have a bank account, open one at:

• A local bank
• A credit union
• Or a big-name bank

A bank account helps you:

• Pay bills on time
• Get paid
• Show lenders you can manage money

💡 Tip: Local banks and credit unions are often more helpful and personal than big banks.

💳 2️⃣ Get a Credit Card (or Secured Card)

Credit cards build credit when used correctly.

✅ The Golden Rule

Never use more than 30% of your limit.

Examples:

• $300 limit → use $90 or less
• $500 limit → use $150 or less
• $1,000 limit → use $300 or less

Lower is better.

🔐 Secured Credit Cards (Great for Beginners)

You put money down first.
That money becomes your limit.

Where to get one:

• Your local bank
• A credit union
• Online banks like:
• Capital One
• Chase
• Bank of America
• Citi
• American Express

💡 ITIN Tip:
If you have an ITIN, check if your bank from your home country has a U.S. branch. Some do open accounts or cards.

🏦 3️⃣ Credit Builder Loans (Hidden Gem)

This is one of the best tools no one talks about.

How it works:

• You make monthly payments
• The money goes into savings
• When done, you get the money back
• Payments build your credit score

You save money and build credit at the same time.

👉 Ask me for safe, real options (not scams).

👥 4️⃣ Become an Authorized User (Be Careful!)

You can be added to someone else’s credit card.

This helps only if they:

• Pay on time
• Keep balances under 30%
• Have had the account for a while

If they’re bad with credit, do not do this.
Their mistakes become your problem.

🏠 5️⃣ Get Credit for Paying Rent & Bills

You already pay bills. Let them help your credit.

Some services that you can report payments on:

• Rent
• Phone
• Utilities
• Streaming services

Popular options include:

• Experian Boost
• RentTrack
• PayYourRent
• LevelCredit

💡 These services usually cost a small fee—but they can help fast if you pay on time.

⏰ 6️⃣ Pay Every Bill On Time (No Exceptions)

This is the #1 rule of credit.

• Pay on time
• Pay every month
• Pay at least the minimum

💡 TIP: Set up scheduled automatic payments instead of relying on your memory

Never:

• Skip payments
• Let bills go to collections
• Ignore notices

💡 If money is tight:

• Ask for help before missing a payment
• Call the creditor for help or leniency
• Check to see if your employer offers financial assistance
• Ask a friend or family member for help
• Put only part of an emergency on a card
• Save a little each month for emergencies

📉 7️⃣ Live Within Your Means

More credit is not better credit.

• Don’t apply for lots of loans
• Too many applications hurt your score

Simple guidelines:

• House payment: about 25–35% of income
• Other debt (cars, cards): 10–15% or less
• Total debt goal: under 45%

Lower = safer = better approvals.