turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

heineboyz
Returning Member

Credit cards

is one enough to start building credit?

Connect with an expert
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

4 Replies

Credit cards

In my opinion, I believe it is.  It establishes credit, and the best use of it would be to charge small amounts, not utilizing a lot of the credit limit, and pay the balance in full each month.

Paying the "last statement balance" in full means you don't pay finance charges.  Continual use shows responsibility in using the card and on time payments boosts your credit worthiness and avoids negative reports and avoids all late charges etc.

I don't know the magic number, but you don't want to charge probably more than 10 - 15% of the credit limit.

NEVER charge more than what you can pay off in full OR you have a plan to pay it off a few payments.

 

Always pay more than the minimum amount.  If you don't, it will take forever to pay the balance and you'll end up paying as much or more in finance charges than the original balance!

**Disclaimer: Effort has been made to offer correct information; but due to the discussion forum limitations, the poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the poster's response**

Credit cards

Yes absolutely. To build card one credit card is enough. To build a faster credit you have to make sure you follow the below steps

 

  • Apply for a secured credit card or a starter credit card.
  • Set up automatic monthly bill payments from a bank account.
  • Use less than 30% of your credit limit (ideally 1%-10%).
  • Pay your full balance by the due date (to save on interest, too).
  • Become an authorized user on a family member’s card to build credit faster.

Regards,

Adrian

Tax Consultant

Credit cards

@AdrianG001 

 

It is my understanding that being an authorized user on a credit card does NOT build credit for the user.  Only the person(s) who have the account and are responsible for paying the account has the activity reported on their credit.  I could be wrong, but that is my understanding from past experience.

**Disclaimer: Effort has been made to offer correct information; but due to the discussion forum limitations, the poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the poster's response**

Credit cards


@AdrianG001 wrote:
  • Become an authorized user on a family member’s card to build credit faster.

See https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/authorized-user-credit-card/

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
Manage cookies