If you already have open cards, think about trying to get them below 30% in utilization. NEVER miss a payment, and if you are going to need an extension on a payment, call the card company a good week or two beforehand and explain your situation. If you don’t have any credit means, ie mortgage, car payment, student loans, or credit cards, look into a secured credit card, or if you’re a student, look into student cards. I wrecked my credit at a young age like an idiot, I got a Walmart credit card and didn’t pay it. My score got around 560 or so after I settled, and it’s been a steep slope since. Only buy what you can pay for on credit. Keep balanced below 30% (sweet spot is around 10-15%, shows activity but also reserve), keep payments on time, and don’t start getting a bunch of inquiries. If you apply to cards you won’t qualify for, they’ll show up on your credit account, and too many make it look like you’re opening cards that you can’t pay for; makes you come up as “Risky Customer.”
