Build your credit history calmly

Landlords, car dealers and phone companies check credit — start right.

Where to go

Your bank: ask about a regular or secured credit card.

What to bring

• ID
• Income details if requested
• A security deposit for a secured card

What to do, step by step

1. Start with just one card.
2. Use it for small regular expenses.
3. Pay the full balance on time every month — then you pay no interest.
4. Keep usage low and avoid many applications at once.

Note: a regular bank account alone doesn’t build credit. You don’t need to borrow or pay interest to improve your score.