Get a secured credit card with a cash deposit
Make a small, affordable monthly purchase on the card
Pay the statement balance in full every month
Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment
Keep credit utilization under 10% (and never above 30%)
Make extra payments during the month if utilization is high before the statement closes
Avoid maxing out the card and avoid letting balances report high
Request credit limit increases after 3–6 months of on-time payments
Use multiple credit lines carefully (avoid opening unnecessary accounts)
Apply for a credit-builder product if you have limited or no credit history
Become an authorized user on a trusted person’s account with low utilization and on-time payments
Consider a credit card that reports to all major bureaus (if available)
Check your credit reports for errors and dispute inaccuracies
Avoid hard inquiries by applying only when necessary
Keep accounts open; do not close the oldest card unless fees are unavoidable
Maintain consistent on-time payments for at least 6–12 months
Keep utilization low across all cards, not just one
If you have a stable income, consider transitioning from secured to a regular card after demonstrating good payment history