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You could have a credit score if you’ve never had a credit card as it depends on whether any other types of information have been reported to the major credit bureaus in your name. Credit scores are based on the contents of your credit reports, and details about credit card accounts aren’t the only type of information that can show up on a credit report. Having bills in your name, taking out loans, or being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card are just a few of the ways you could have a credit score without a credit card.
Ways You Might Have Credit with No Credit Card:
- Taking out a loan (personal loans or student loans for college).
- Renting an apartment that reports to a credit bureau.
- Being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card.
- Receiving a court judgement that required payment (like alimony or child support).
- Making large purchases (like electronics or furniture) on store credit.
The only way to know for sure whether you have a credit score despite never having a credit card is to check your credit score and report for free. It won’t hurt your score, if you have one, and you can sign up for regular credit updates to stay informed.
Using a Credit Card to Build Credit
If you’re looking to start building your credit, the easiest way to do it is with a credit card. As long as you pay the bills on time and keep your balance well below your spending limit, the information that the credit card company reports to the major credit bureaus each month will help you build a good credit score. Plus, there are plenty of good credit cards for people with no credit.
Your credit score is important for a lot of things you’ll do in life, whether you want to buy a home, lease a car, or just get a better insurance rate. The earlier you start building credit, the better.
2025's Best Credit Cards for People with No Credit
2025's Best Credit Cards for People with No Credit
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People also ask
Is no credit better than bad credit?
Yes. No credit is better than bad credit because it is easier to turn no credit into good credit. With no credit, you will also have better credit card options, and it won’t cost you as much overall. Bad credit will make it much harder and more expensive to get a mortgage, auto loan, personal loan or credit card. It could also complicate finding a job or place to live.
You can see where,...
read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyHow can I raise my credit score in 30 days?
There are several ways to raise your credit score in 30 days. Reducing your credit utilization is one of the fastest ways to raise your credit score, and you can do it by paying down debt, spending less, paying your bill more often or asking for a higher spending limit. Disputing negative information on your credit report can help quickly, too.
- Dispute Credit-Report Mistakes
- Make a Big Debt Payment
- Reduce Your Credit Card...
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