If you keep up with your utility and phone bills and that activity is reported to credit bureaus, it could help boost your credit. But keep in mind, those bills are just one possible factor in credit scoring. And falling behind on them or other bills could have negative effects. Using a credit card to pay utilities?

The bottom line. From a legal perspective, credit cards generally provide more protection against fraudulent activity. But, there are ways to mimic some of these protections with a debit or prepaid card. Deciding which is best for you will help protect your money whether you’re spending online or swiping in store.

The key difference between cash and credit is that one is your money (cash) and one is the bank’s (or someone else’s) money (credit). When you pay with cash, you hand over the money, take your goods and you are done. When you pay with credit, you borrow money from someone else to pay.

3 things you should do if you have no credit history

1. Become an authorized user. One of the simplest ways to build credit is by becoming an authorized user on a family member or friend’s credit card.
2. Apply for a secured credit card.
3. Get credit for paying monthly utility and cell phone bills on time.

Is it possible to get a loan with no credit? Yes, it is possible to get a loan with no credit or bad credit, but lenders will likely charge you a higher interest rate than if you had established credit history.

between three and six months

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