Credit can be complicated. But you’ve come to the right place—whether you’re building credit from scratch or looking to rebuild. Use the menu below to get started. Each section will take you to articles from Capital One’s Learn and Grow to help you on your journey.
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How to build credit from scratch
Learn different approaches to start building credit from the ground up.
5 things to know before getting your first credit card
Before you apply, learn more about responsible credit card ownership.
Credit cards to build credit
Explore cards that could help you build credit with responsible use.
Why is credit important?
Having credit can be an important part of planning for the future. Your credit history is an indication of how you’ve managed debt in the past. But how might credit affect your financial decisions in the future?
Credit-Building FAQs
1.
What are the major credit report agencies?
Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion® are the three major credit reporting agencies. The companies are also referred to as credit bureaus and consumer reporting agencies. They compile credit reports. They’re different from credit-scoring companies, such as FICO® and VantageScore®.
2.
How can I build my credit if I have no credit?
It’s weird to think you might need credit to build credit. True. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t options. Things such as secured credit cards and credit-builder loans might help if you’re trying to establish credit. But only if you use them responsibly.
3.
What is your credit score if you have no credit?
Credit scores are complicated, but having no credit doesn’t mean your credit score is zero—or that it will be near zero when you start to build credit. There’s a difference between having no credit and having bad credit.
4.
How quickly can someone raise their credit score?
There are no quick fixes or shortcuts when it comes to boosting your credit score. But if you’re using credit responsibly, you’re on the right track. If you want an idea where you stand, you can use a tool like CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free to all—whether you’re a Capital One customer or not. And using it to check your credit won’t hurt your score. So it’s perfect for tracking your progress.
5.
Can I pay to rebuild my credit?
The short answer is no. Building credit takes time. And while there may be trustworthy credit counselors who can help you, beware of credit repair scams and companies that promise to boost your credit overnight.