Pay rent through a rent-reporting service
Pay utility bills on time if they are reported to credit bureaus
Take out a credit-builder loan
Use a secured loan from a bank or credit union
Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card
Use a secured credit card
Open a share-secured loan with a credit union
Use alternative credit reporting services
Keep all existing bills paid on time
Maintain low balances on any reported accounts
Check your credit reports regularly for accuracy
Keep older accounts open if you have them
Avoid late payments, collections, and defaults