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Your first six months, step by step
Building credit from zero · Lesson 13 of 22 · 4 min
Month 1: open a credit union account and a secured card with the smallest deposit you can spare. Put one recurring bill on the card, such as a phone plan or a streaming subscription.
Months 2 to 5: set autopay for the full statement balance. Do not add other purchases yet. Check your free report once to confirm the account is showing up.
Month 6: a score should exist. Do not apply for anything new yet. Let it age. At month 12, ask to convert the secured card and get your deposit back.
Takeaway
One account, one small bill, autopay in full. That is the entire plan.
Next up: The 30-day rule on late payments