Financial Topics Archives | Page 674 of 791

Feb

2023

Does Investing in Stocks Affect Your Credit Score?

By Dan Miller | Credit, credit card, Financial Independence, Investing | Comments Off

While there are many things that determine your credit score — including your payment history, credit utilization, and the average age of your credit accounts — investing in stocks is not one of them.

That being said, while investing or opening an investment account does not directly affect your credit score, it’s possible for it to have an indirect effect. For instance, if you open a margin investment account that comes with a loan or line of credit, that debt may show up on your credit score. Additionally, your investment performance may have an impact on your overall financial picture, which can affect your ability to pay off your debts.

How Does Trading Stocks Affect Your Credit Score?

There are many factors to consider before investing in stocks, like how to choose good investments or making sure that your overall finances are sound. The good news is that in most cases, you won’t need to worry about how trading stocks affects your credit score.

That’s because the amount of money you have in investment accounts (and how well you do at investing in stocks) does not usually show up on your credit report or impact your credit score. As such, investing isn’t a path toward establishing credit.

What Happens to Your Credit Score if You Open a Brokerage Account?

If you’re looking to get started with investing in stocks by working with a broker, know that brokerage accounts are not typically reported to the major credit bureaus. This means that opening a brokerage account generally should not have any overall impact on your credit score.

One possible exception is if you open a margin account. Margin accounts allow you to borrow money and buy stocks for more than the actual cash you have in your account. Because some brokerages consider margin accounts as loans, there may be a credit check involved. This could have a small impact on your credit score, but it usually goes away after a few months.

How Does Opening an Investment Account Affect Your Credit Score?

Most investment accounts do not show up on your credit report. So, opening an investment account will generally not affect your credit score. Whether you are buying stocks with a credit card or investing by depositing cash into your account, your balance and investment performance will not impact your credit score.

That being said, opening an investment account and actively investing in stocks or other investments can indirectly affect your credit score. If you end up losing money in the stock market, it might negatively impact your ability to meet your other debt obligations. Should you have money tied up in your investment account and end up leaning more on your credit cards to cover costs or missing payments, that can have a negative impact on your credit score and hamper your efforts at building credit.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

How Making Investments May Affect Your Credit Score

There are many different ways to invest your money, and many different types of investments. But nearly all investment accounts do not show up in your credit score. So regardless of what type of investing you prefer — whether stocks, bonds, mutual funds, precious metals, or something else — your investing activity should not impact your credit score.

The Takeaway

Investing in stocks is one popular way that some people build wealth. While there are pros and cons to investing in stocks, it’s important to realize that investing in stocks — or most types of investments, for that matter — does not show up on your credit report and does not affect your score.

If you’re looking to build credit, one option might be applying for a cash-back rewards credit card like the SoFi credit card. If you’re approved for the SoFi credit card, you can earn unlimited cash-back rewards. You can use those rewards as a statement credit, invest them in fractional shares, or put them toward other financial goals you might have, like paying down eligible SoFi debt.

FAQ

Can I open a brokerage account with a bad credit score?

Yes, you can open a brokerage account with a bad credit score. Generally speaking, your broker will not issue a credit check to open a brokerage account. Additionally, in most cases, your brokerage account will not show up on your credit report. One exception may be if you apply for a margin account. Margin accounts can be considered loans, so your broker may not approve you for one if you have bad credit.

Can I open an investment account with a bad credit score?

There generally is not a credit check to open an investment account, so it is usually possible to open an investment account even if you have a bad credit score. Further, most investment accounts will not show up on your credit report, help you build credit, or impact your credit score.

Do stocks show up on your credit report?

In most cases, stocks (as well as bonds, mutual funds, and other investments) do not show up on your credit report. Your account information, balance, and investment performance do not usually impact your credit score.

Photo credit: iStock/tdub303

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on purchases. No rewards points will be earned with respect to reversed transactions, returned purchases, or other similar transactions. When you elect to redeem rewards points toward active SoFi accounts, including but not limited to, your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, SoFi Active Invest account, SoFi Credit Card account, or SoFi Personal, Private Student, Student Loan Refinance, or toward SoFi Travel purchases, your rewards points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. For more details, please visit the Rewards page. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Feb

2023

Do Credit Unions Help You Build Your Credit Score?

By Dan Miller | Credit, credit card | Comments Off

While joining a credit union likely won’t affect your credit score in and of itself, some of the financial products offered by credit unions can have an impact on your score. For example, a credit union may offer lower interest rates on loans, which can help you keep an affordable monthly payment that’s easier to make on time. You also may be more likely to get approved for a credit union credit card than one from a bank, and responsibly using that card could help you build your credit score.

If you’re considering a credit union membership in the hopes that a credit union can help build credit, it helps to first understand how you can accomplish this. That way, you can better determine if joining a credit union is worthwhile for you.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit?

What Is a Credit Union?

A credit union is a non-profit financial organization that exists to serve its members, who are also its owners. This can mean that credit unions are able to offer higher interest rates on savings and lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, as well as charge fewer fees.

Credit unions can offer many of the same financial services and products as banks and online lenders, though their lineup and number of locations can be a bit more limited. To gain access to a credit union’s products, you’ll need to become a member, which entails meeting certain requirements. Credit unions often target certain communities or regions.

Recommended: What is a Charge Card?

Credit Unions vs Banks vs Online Lenders

Here’s a brief look at how credit unions compare with both banks and online lenders:

Credit Unions	Banks	Online Lenders
Not-for-profit	Usually for-profit	Usually for-profit
Typically offer lower interest rates on loans than banks or online lenders	Typically charge higher interest rates on loans than credit unions	Typically charge higher interest rates on loans than credit unions
May offer an array of basic financial products	Often offers a full spectrum of financial products and services	May offer an array of basic financial products

What Is a Credit Union Credit Card?

Many credit unions partner with credit card issuers to issue a co-branded credit card. The types of credit cards that are offered by credit unions vary widely depending on the particular credit union. They can include rewards credit cards that offer points or cash back or secured cards designed for those looking to build their credit.

What Credit Score Is Typically Needed for a Credit Union Credit Card?

Each credit union is owned by its respective members, so there isn’t a set credit score that’s needed for a credit union credit card. Rather, each credit union sets its own parameters for the credit score and other financial requirements for approval.

That being said, you may have better luck getting approved at a credit union compared to a traditional bank, even if you are still building your credit.

How a Credit Union Credit Card Can Help Build Your Credit Score?

Here are some of the ways a credit union credit card could help you to build your credit score.

Potentially Easier Approval

Getting approved for and opening a credit card or loan is key to establishing credit. However, it can be challenging to get credit if you’ve never had it before. Because credit unions are owned by their members, you may find it easier to get approved for a new credit card. And if you are denied, it may be easier to talk with a customer service representative.

Lower Interest Rates

While this isn’t necessarily true across the board, many credit unions offer lower interest rates on debt products like loans and credit cards. Having a lower interest rate can help you build your credit score by making it easier to stay on top of paying down debt.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

Fewer Fees

Along with lower interest rates, it ‘s common for credit unions to charge fewer fees than traditional banks or other lenders. Since credit unions are not-for-profit, they don’t need to charge some of the fees that banks and other financial institutions do. Paying fewer fees can help you keep more of your money in your pocket to pay down debt and save for the future.

Automatic Payments Option

Many credit unions allow you to set up automatic payments on your credit union credit card account. Additionally, most credit unions offer different checking and savings account options, so you can easily pay your credit card from your checking account. This setup helps avoid missing payments, which can help to build your credit score, given one of the best tips for building credit is to pay your debt obligations in full and on time, each and every month.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Are Credit Unions Safe?

Just like money in banks is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the funds you keep in credit union accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The NCUA is an organization of the federal government that insures up to $250,000 per account that you have at a federally insured credit union.

Still, you’ll also want to take simple steps to keep your credit union account safe online, such as verifying transactions and choosing strong passwords.

Is It Worth it to Join a Credit Union?

Joining a credit union can be a wise financial move, especially if you find one that is a good fit for you and that offers the products and services you need. Many people enjoy being a partial owner of a credit union rather than just being one more customer at a for-profit bank, as credit unions tend to be more community-oriented. And the good news is that switching banks is usually not that difficult.

Alternative Ways to Build Your Credit Score

Joining a credit union won’t help build your credit score on its own, but it can be a good first step toward building your credit. Here are a few other ways that you can build your credit score:

• Use a credit card cosigner to increase your approval odds.

• Apply for a secured credit card, which requires making a deposit.

• Get a traditional credit card, like the SoFi credit card.

• Review your credit report regularly for any inaccurate information.

• When you buy your next vehicle, use an auto loan and then responsibly make payments.

• Take out and responsibly use a personal loan.

• Become an authorized user on the account of someone with strong credit.

The Takeaway

Credit unions are nonprofit financial institutions that offer many of the same financial products as banks and other online lenders. But unlike banks, credit unions are owned by their members, which can help keep interest rates high and fees low. Joining a credit union won’t help you build your credit by itself, but taking advantage of credit union perks and financial products may help you build your credit.

Another way to build credit can be by applying for a credit card like the SoFi credit card. If you’re approved for a cash-back rewards credit card with SoFi, you can earn unlimited cash-back rewards. You can use those rewards as a statement credit, invest them in fractional shares, or put them toward other financial goals you might have, like paying down eligible SoFi debt.

FAQ

Will joining a credit union improve my credit score?

Joining a credit union in and of itself will not improve your credit score, since the fact that you are a member of a credit union does not usually appear on your credit report. However, credit unions offer many financial products, including loans and credit cards. Making responsible use of some of these credit union offerings can help you build your credit.

What are the disadvantages of joining a credit union?

Because credit unions are owned by their members, you generally can’t simply open up an account. Instead, you may have to belong to a specific group or pay a small membership fee to get an account. Many credit unions are also smaller than most banks, so they may not offer all of the financial products you’d find at a larger bank.

Will credit union credit card payments show up on my credit report?

Most credit card payments — including credit union credit card payments — are reported to the major credit bureaus. Paying your statement balance on time and keeping your balance low can be great ways to help build your credit.

Photo credit: iStock/sshepard

Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on purchases. No rewards points will be earned with respect to reversed transactions, returned purchases, or other similar transactions. When you elect to redeem rewards points toward active SoFi accounts, including but not limited to, your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, SoFi Active Invest account, SoFi Credit Card account, or SoFi Personal, Private Student, Student Loan Refinance, or toward SoFi Travel purchases, your rewards points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. For more details, please visit the Rewards page. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Feb

2023

Do Store Credit Cards Help Build Credit?

By Dan Miller | Credit, credit card | Comments Off

Store credit cards can help you get started with building credit as long as you use them responsibly and the activity is reported to the major credit bureaus. If you’re not sure if you’re ready for a traditional credit card, you might consider a retail store credit card as an alternative.

Retail credit cards, also known as store credit cards, are credit cards issued by specific retailers. Some store credit cards are good only at the issuing store (or their partners). Others are co-branded by a network like Visa or Mastercard and accepted anywhere those networks are.

What Is a Store Credit Card?

A store credit card is a credit card that is issued by a specific retailer, and usually has perks and benefits associated with that specific store or chain. This category of credit card generally works much like other credit cards, which means they can be useful in building credit as long as they’re used responsibly. However, store credit cards tend to have higher interest rates and easier approval requirements compared to traditional credit cards.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

Types of Store Credit Cards

Similarly to prepaid credit cards, there are two main types of store credit cards:

• Close-loop store credit cards: The first type of store credit card is a closed-loop store credit card. These can typically only be used at the retailer that issues the card.

• Open-loop store credit cards: Open-loop store credit cards are another type of store credit card. They’re typically co-branded alongside a credit card payment network like Mastercard, American Express, or Visa, and are good anywhere those networks are accepted.

Is Getting a Store Credit Card a Good Idea?

Getting a store credit card can be a good option if you are working on establishing credit. If your store credit card reports usage to the major credit bureaus, then responsibly using a store credit card can be helpful. However, this can work against you, too, if you open a store credit card and don’t follow good credit card habits.

Factors to Consider When Getting a Store Credit Card

The biggest factor you’ll want to consider when getting a store credit card is whether it’s a closed-loop or open-loop card. That will let you know whether you can only use it at the issuing store or whether it’s good at other places.

You’ll also want to understand whether your store card is a charge card or credit card (with a charge card, you won’t have the option to carry a balance). Also find out whether the issuer reports usage to the major credit bureaus, especially if you intend to use the card to build your credit from scratch.

Recommended: What is a Charge Card?

How a Store Credit Card Can Help Build Credit

Store credit cards can help build your credit, as long as the card reports usage information to the major credit bureaus. Responsibly using a store credit card can show a history of on-time payments and add an additional line of credit to your credit mix. Additionally, it has the potential to positively affect your overall credit utilization — the amount of your total available credit limit you’re using — by bolstering your overall credit limit.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit?

Can a Store Credit Card Set Back Your Credit Progress?

It’s important to use credit cards wisely, and that includes store credit cards. A store credit card certainly can set back your credit progress if you don’t use it responsibly. If you have late or missed payments or carry a balance that’s near your total credit limit, it may have a negative impact on your credit score.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Do Store Credit Cards Applications Require Hard Inquiries?

Yes, in most cases a store credit card application will generate a hard inquiry on your credit report. A hard credit inquiry shows up on your credit report when a potential lender asks for your complete credit report. This inquiry may lower your credit score by a few points for a short period of time, so you’ll want to limit how many credit accounts you apply for.

Benefits of Store Credit Cards

One benefit of a store credit card is that it may be easier to get approved for, especially if it’s a closed-loop store card. Retailers know that cardholders are likely to shop more frequently at their store. As such, they may be more inclined to approve you for a card, even if you don’t have an extensive history of good or excellent credit.

Another potential benefit is the store-specific perks, rewards, or benefits that a store may offer to its cardholders.

Drawbacks of Store Credit Cards

There are downsides to store credit cards to consider as well. For one, they may come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits. It can be easier to drive up your credit utilization ratio, a factor that affects your credit score, with a lower credit limit. Further, if your store credit card is a closed-loop card, you’ll be limited to using it at that specific retailer.

To recap, here are some of the pros and cons of applying for and using a store credit card:

Pros of Store Credit Cards	Cons of Store Credit Cards
Easier to get approved for than a traditional credit card	May come with higher interest rates
Can offer solid store-specific perks, benefits, and rewards	May have lower credit limits, which can make it easier to drive up credit utilization
Can help you build credit when used responsibly	Closed-loop store cards can only be used at that specific store or chain

Alternative Ways to Build Credit

If applying for and using a store credit card doesn’t fit into your financial plans, here are a few other ways to build credit that you might consider:

• Apply for a traditional credit card, like the SoFi credit card

• Consider getting a secured credit card, which requires a deposit

• Take out and responsibly use a personal loan

• Use an auto loan to purchase your next vehicle

• Get a supplementary credit card, also known as an authorized user credit card

• Regularly review your credit report for any inaccurate information

• Use a credit card cosigner for your application

The Takeaway

A store credit card can help you build credit, as long as it reports usage to the major credit bureaus. In fact, opening a store credit card and using it wisely can be a smart step toward establishing credit since, in many cases, they’re easier to get approved for than a traditional credit card.

FAQ

Do store credit cards affect your credit?

Yes, store credit cards can affect your credit if they report usage and history to the major credit bureaus. If you regularly pay off your bill each month and keep your statement balance low, it should help build a positive credit history.

Do store credit cards require hard credit checks?

Yes, most store credit cards require a hard credit check when you apply. A hard credit check (or hard pull) happens any time a potential lender asks for your full credit history to help decide whether they will extend you credit. Because each hard pull can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points, you’ll want to limit how many new credit accounts you apply for in a short period of time.

Will closing store credit cards hurt my credit score?

There are some cases where closing a credit card — either a store credit card or a traditional credit card — can hurt your credit score. The main reason why closing a credit card can impact your credit score is by possibly driving up your credit utilization percentage, as your overall credit limit will decrease. Make sure that you understand the possible ramifications before you close a credit card account.

Do retail credit cards build credit?

Retail credit cards can help you build credit as long as they report to the major credit bureaus. Just make sure to use your store or retail credit cards wisely so that it will have a positive impact on your credit score.

Photo credit: iStock/Nastasic

Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on purchases. No rewards points will be earned with respect to reversed transactions, returned purchases, or other similar transactions. When you elect to redeem rewards points toward active SoFi accounts, including but not limited to, your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, SoFi Active Invest account, SoFi Credit Card account, or SoFi Personal, Private Student, Student Loan Refinance, or toward SoFi Travel purchases, your rewards points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. For more details, please visit the Rewards page. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Jan

2023

Guide to Building Credit at 18: Starting Early Is Key

By Jennifer Calonia | Credit, credit card, Financial Independence | Comments Off

Establishing a robust credit profile takes time, so teaching your children how to start building credit at 18 or younger can help them get ahead. Building a positive credit history is essential to accessing competitive borrowing opportunities in the future.

If you have a teen or early-adult child, there are a few ways to help them establish credit at age 18. This can include getting a secured credit card, becoming an authorized user, or another one of the strategies we’ll cover below.

What Is Credit and How Does It Work?

When your child purchases an item on credit, they aren’t using money they already have. Instead, they’re borrowing the funds to make that purchase and promising to repay the amount, plus interest, in the future.

A credit history is a complete record of a consumer’s installment loans and revolving credit accounts. It logs data about the type of credit that’s borrowed, their amounts, the lender that issued the credit, whether payments were made on time, and each account’s status.

Creditors report this data to the Big Three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Activity is submitted at regular intervals as soon as a consumer submits an application, and as long as the account is active. Data is also reported when an account is closed.

Recommended: What is a Charge Card?

Why Is It Important to Start Building Credit Early?

The earlier your child builds their credit, the more time they have to mature their credit history and establish their scores. Credit scoring models, like the commonly used FICO score, will use your child’s credit history to calculate their credit score.

This score is like a snapshot of your child’s creditworthiness. Businesses and lenders may refer to that score when evaluating your child for future jobs, apartment rental applications, and new loans and credit cards.

Tips to Start Building Credit at 18 Years of Age

As a parent of a teenager or early-adult child, there are a handful of ways to assist them in building credit under their name.

1. Add Your Teen as an Authorized Card User

One of the easiest and best ways to start building credit at 18 for your child — and sometimes younger, depending on your card issuer — is by adding them as an authorized user. As an authorized user, your child will be able to make purchases using the card, with the primary account holder remaining liable for monthly payments.

If you have a credit card in good standing, making your child an authorized user on your account lets them reap the benefits of your positive borrowing habits. See if your card issuer allows authorized users, and ask if it reports the account’s data to the credit bureaus for all users under the account.

Your credit card company might have a minimum age requirement for card users (and it often differs from the age to get a credit card independently). If your child meets the issuer’s requirement, your continued good borrowing activity on the card will get reported to credit bureaus to develop their credit file.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

2. Work a Student Loan Into Their Education Financing Strategy

Talk to your college-bound high school graduate about strategically using a student loan to pay for some of their higher education costs. Student loans are installment loans in which your child is the primary borrower. They’re designed to cover school-related expenses and are paid back over time.

Some students might be eligible for a federal student loan, which offers fixed interest rates and borrower protections, like student loan forgiveness as well as flexible repayment and forbearance options. Although payments can be deferred on federal student loans while your child is in school, making payments during school can help them establish credit early on through student loan payment data.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

3. Help Them Research for a Starter Credit Card

Getting a credit card for the first time can be an overwhelming process for your 18 year old. There are many types of credit cards on the market with varying benefits. A credit card for individuals who are new to credit, like a secured card, might be an effective way for your child to initiate their credit history.

With a secured card, your child will need to provide the card issuer with a deposit that sets the card’s borrowing limit. Since the issuer uses the deposit as collateral for the account, it can be easier for individuals without credit to qualify. As your child uses the card and makes on-time monthly payments on the account, that data is reported to the credit bureaus.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit?

4. Find Ways To Report Their Payment History

If your child is moving into their own apartment or has done so already, look into whether their landlord is willing to report their rental payment history to the credit bureaus. Additionally, other types of non-traditional payment data can be reported to the credit bureaus by utility service providers.

Your child also might look into a service like Experian Boost, which is offered by the credit bureau Experian. This service helps individuals who are new to credit start their credit history by accounting for payments toward services, like cell phone and streaming plans.

The Takeaway

Helping your child understand how to build credit at 18 can help them access favorable borrowing opportunities later on. That is, assuming they maintain positive borrowing habits once they have credit accounts of their own, like making payments on time and not taking on too much debt.

FAQ

Can you build your credit before 18?

Yes, parents can help their child’s credit during their high school years by adding them on their credit card account as an authorized user. Depending on the credit card, there might not be an additional fee for adding an authorized user, though some card issuers do charge an annual fee per card user.

What credit score do you start with at 18?

If at 18 years old, a consumer hasn’t had a credit account, they simply won’t have a credit score at all since a credit score of “zero” does not exist. The lowest FICO score possible is actually 300, but a person’s starting score is typically higher than this, unless they’ve already demonstrated poor borrowing behavior early in their credit-building history.

When should I get my first credit card?

There’s no one “right age to get a credit card”; however, card issuers set a minimum age requirement for their card users. Parents can help their child access their first credit card as an authorized user, sometimes before the age of 18 years old. As an authorized user, your child can make purchases on your card, and start building their credit without being liable for monthly payments.

What is the fastest way to build credit at 18?

The fastest way for parents to help their 18-year-old child build credit is by adding them to the parent’s existing credit card account. As parents make on-time monthly payments for at least the minimum amount due, some card issuers report this positive payment data to the credit bureaus for all users listed on the account.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

Jan

2023

Is it Possible to Build Credit With a Debit Card?

By Jennifer Calonia | Credit, credit card, Family Finances | Comments Off

Unfortunately, building credit with debit card activity won’t kickstart your credit file. Having a solid credit history provides greater access to competitive financing offers. Additionally, your creditworthiness is reviewed in other parts of your life, like when renting an apartment unit or applying for a job.

That’s why it’s worth exploring ways you can build your credit, given the fact that you can’t build credit with a debit card. Once you understand how building credit works, there are a few strategies you can explore to establish your credit.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

How Does Building Credit Work?

Purchasing goods or services on credit means you’re borrowing money that you don’t already have to make the purchase now. When you enter into this agreement with a lender, you’re accepting the responsibility of repaying the balance — typically, plus interest — over time.

The lender reports the new credit account under your identity to the credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. As you make payments toward the debt, your lender will send routine updates to the bureaus about the account’s status and repayment activity.

Your borrowing and repayment data is what creates your credit profile and what’s used to determine your credit score. Keep in mind that all data is reported by your lender, whether positive or negative. For example, if you’re chronically late on your loan payments, but make on-time payments toward a credit card, all of this information is reflected on your credit report.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Can You Build Credit With a Traditional Debit Card?

Although they’re a helpful financial tool, when your goal is building your credit from scratch, the pros and cons of debit cards should be closely considered. One major downside is that you generally can’t build credit with a debit card.

That being said, some financial tech companies do offer debit cards with a credit-builder feature that can help you build your credit. This feature is not typical of most debit cards though.

Still, debit cards are convenient in that they let you spend your money without carrying physical cash. They can also help you avoid racking up debt for purchases, and in some cases, it’s even possible to pay a credit card with a debit card.

Can You Use a Credit Card to Build Credit?

A credit card is a common financial tool that’s used to build credit. That’s because card issuers send credit card activity data to the credit bureaus.

A traditional credit card is a revolving credit line in which the issuer sets a maximum borrowing limit on the card. When using a credit card like a debit card, you can swipe your card to cover everyday purchases, like groceries or your cell phone bill. However, instead of those funds coming out of an attached bank account, you’re borrowing them — meaning you can spend with a credit card up to your credit limit, regardless of whether you actually have the money on hand at the moment.

At the end of each billing cycle, you’ll need to repay at least the minimum amount due, which is typically a portion of the total balance. Paying the minimum amount by the due date is sufficient to maintain positive payment data on your credit file.

However, this means you’ll accrue interest for rolling over a balance into the next billing cycle. When building your credit with a credit card, make sure you can afford to repay the full statement balance each month to avoid costly fees and deeper debt.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit?

When to Use a Credit Card vs. Debit Card

The differences between credit cards and debit cards when it comes to establishing your credit are stark.

When you’re first starting out with credit, consider using a credit card for a few smaller purchases, like your next cup of coffee, or a recurring expense, like a streaming subscription. Keeping your purchases small and manageable adds bulk to your credit history while allowing you to better track your spending. That way, you don’t end up with overwhelming debt.

Your debit card, on the other hand, can be useful to pay for bills that only accept payment from a checking account, or if you’d like to access your cash at an ATM. You’ll need to ensure you have the funds in your account before you swipe, but you don’t run the same risk of racking up debt that you do with a credit card.

Other Ways to Build Credit

Since building credit with a debit card isn’t effective, you can start building your credit using one or more of the strategies below. Although these are all viable approaches to establishing credit, be aware that the process takes time.

Become an Authorized User

Ask a family member or trusted friend who has good credit if they’re willing to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. As an authorized user, a credit check isn’t required, and you’re ultimately not responsible for making the payments on the account.

If the card issuer reports data for both the primary cardholder and authorized users on the account, this strategy can help with establishing credit.

Report Your Rent Payments

An unconventional way to build credit without a debit card is reporting payment data, such as rent payments or utility bills. Ask your landlord and service providers if they’re willing to report your rent payment history to the credit bureaus.

For example, landlords and property management companies can report rental payment data through Experian RentBureau. Your rent payment data is then included in your consumer credit report so you can establish your credit with your on-time rent payments.

Use a Credit Card Responsibly

As mentioned, credit cards do help when it comes to building credit. You might consider applying for a secured credit card or a more basic card with lower eligibility requirements as you get started establishing your credit profile. This will require consistently making on-time payments and keeping your spending in check.

Once you’ve started to build up your credit through responsible behavior, you might even have the opportunity to earn rewards as an added bonus alongside building your credit. Some credit cards offer rewards points, miles, or cash back for each dollar you spend on the card.

The Takeaway

Debit cards can offer a number of advantages, but building credit with a debit card is not among them. Although you can’t build your credit with a debit card, there are many other ways to get your credit profile started. This can include becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit account, getting your on-time rent or other bill payments reported to the credit bureaus, or opening a credit card account.

FAQ

Does debit card usage get reported to credit bureaus?

No, your debit card usage is not reported to the three credit reporting bureaus. Debit card transactions are linked to a bank deposit account in which you’re drawing funds from your own pool of money.

Why can’t you build credit with a traditional debit card?

You can’t build credit with a traditional debit card because while a debit card offers the convenience of cashless purchases, you’re not actually borrowing money. Instead, you’re pulling funds from a personal checking account that’s tied to the debit card.

Does a debit card affect your credit score?

No, using a debit card doesn’t affect your credit score. However, carrying a debit card can be a useful part of managing your finances.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

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