Starting or rebuilding

Build a routine before chasing a number.

A practical starting point for payment habits, balances, and evaluating credit-building products.

Make payments easier to remember

Know the due dates on your existing accounts. Use reminders, and consider automatic payments when they fit your finances. Check that you have enough money to cover any automatic debit.

Keep balances in perspective

How much revolving credit you use can matter. You do not need to carry interest-bearing debt to build a credit history. A single percentage or new account is not a guaranteed score fix.

Understand a product before opening it

Compare the total cost, required payments, account use restrictions, and reporting terms of any credit-building product. Apply only for credit that fits your needs. Zoey’s proposed builder accounts are explained separately; they are not open for enrollment yet.

Reviewed September 8, 2026. Educational information. Source: CFPB: Building and keeping good credit.