What is credit?
Let’s start with some definitions. Credit is what allows you to buy something today knowing that you're going to have to pay it back later. Your credit score is a three-digit number that evaluates how likely you'll be able to pay back a loan or a credit card.
A great credit score can come in handy when it's time to take out a loan for college, a car, or home later on in life. Even if you can't get your own credit card quite yet, there are five ways teens can start building credit right now.
How to start building credit
First, learn the components of your credit report and really get comfortable with maintaining a good rating.
A secured credit card allows you to make a cash deposit, which then serves as your credit line. Let's assume you put $500 in the account. You can then charge up to $500. Make a plan for expenses you'd like to charge on the card, such as gas or movie tickets. Just make sure you pay your balance in full every single month before the due date.
If you have a parent or relative with good credit, ask if you could become an authorized user on their credit card.
The three national credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), all have their own reports on you and each of the reports can be slightly different. So, review all three of them at least once every year.
Finally, talk to your parents about their credit. Have them explain what they're doing right. What pitfalls to avoid and what they look for when reviewing their own credit reports.
It’s never too early to get financially savvy
Building credit while you're still in high school is not just a smart idea, but an easy one too. The sooner you understand what it is, how it works, and why it's important, the sooner you can become financially prepared for the future.