Building credit at 18 years old is one of the most important—and empowering—financial decisions you can make. A strong credit score can open doors for your future: renting an apartment, financing a car, securing better rates on insurance, or even increasing your chances of getting hired for certain jobs. But credit doesn’t build itself; it takes deliberate action, patience, and good habits. The good news? Starting young gives you time to establish a strong credit foundation, and there are plenty of beginner-friendly ways to do it.
One of the most accessible options for young adults is to open a student credit card. These cards are designed specifically for individuals who are new to credit and typically have lower credit limits and lenient approval requirements. When applying, look for a card with no annual fee, a simple rewards structure (if any), and a provider that reports to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Once approved, don’t treat the card as free money. Instead, use it for one or two recurring, budgeted expenses—such as your monthly phone bill, a Spotify or Netflix subscription, or any other regular charge that’s predictable and manageable.
By charging only small, consistent amounts to your credit card and paying the full balance off on time each month, you build a positive payment history. This payment history is the single most important factor in determining your credit score, so never miss a due date. Consider setting up automatic payments to remove the risk of forgetting. Keeping your balance low also helps your score—aim to use no more than 30% of your credit limit at any given time. For example, if your credit limit is $500, try to keep your balance under $150.
If you’re not eligible for a student credit card yet, another great option is becoming an authorized user on a family member’s credit card—usually a parent or guardian. This allows you to “piggyback” on their good credit behavior. If the account holder maintains a low balance and pays on time, those positive actions can reflect on your credit report. Just make sure the credit card issuer reports authorized user activity to the credit bureaus (not all do).
You can also explore secured credit cards. These function similarly to regular credit cards but require a refundable cash deposit as collateral—usually equal to your credit limit. They’re a great starting point if you don’t qualify for a traditional or student credit card, and they still help you build credit if managed properly. Some banks and credit unions also offer credit-builder loans, where you “repay” a small loan amount that’s held in a savings account until you’ve paid it off, giving you both a positive credit history and a savings cushion at the end.
If you’re a college student, check if your school partners with any financial institutions or fintech companies offering tools tailored to young adults. Educational financial platforms, student banking programs, and peer mentoring groups can be great resources for learning and support.
And lastly, don’t overlook the value of modern credit-building tools that don’t require traditional credit checks. A standout example is TomoCredit, which helps young adults and new-to-credit individuals build credit without charging fees or interest. Tomo doesn’t require a credit score to apply—instead, it looks at your financial habits, such as income and spending behavior. Once approved, you can use the Tomo card like a regular credit card and build credit by making on-time payments. It’s a simple, modern solution for those who want to avoid debt while still establishing a strong credit profile.
Building credit is not a one-time event—it’s a lifelong habit. Starting at 18 gives you a huge advantage, especially if you use the tools available to you responsibly. With consistency, discipline, and smart decisions, your credit score can grow into a powerful asset for years to come.