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Building credit from scratch can feel overwhelming-but understanding where to start and what steps to take can remove much of the uncertainty. During National Credit Education Month, Loralee McKee, Senior Personal Banker, shares practical guidance on how to establish credit safely, what tools are available, and how long it typically takes to see meaningful progress.

If you have no credit history, you're not alone. Many young adults, recent graduates, and even individuals who have simply avoided borrowing find themselves asking the same question: How do I build credit if I’ve never used it before?

According to McKee, the first step is choosing the right starting point.

Where to Begin
"A great first step is getting added to an existing credit account as an authorized user," McKee explains. "It's important to make sure the creditor reports authorized users to the credit bureaus."

Being added as an authorized user-often by a parent or trusted family member can help establish a credit file by reflecting the account's payment history. If the primary account holder manages the account responsibly, this can provide a helpful head start.

Another safe and common option is opening a secured credit card.

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How Secured Credit Cards Help

A secured credit card requires a refundable deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. Because the card is backed by funds you provide, it reduces risk while giving you the opportunity to build responsible habits.

"A secured credit card helps ease someone into how revolving credit works and establish good practices for future credit," McKee says.

Using the card for small, manageable purchases and paying the balance on time each month demonstrates reliability and helps build a positive payment history.

Additional Credit-Building Options
Beyond credit cards, McKee notes that many people are unaware of other credit-building products banks offer.

Savings-or CD-secured loans are another valuable tool. These loans are backed by funds in a savings account or certificate of deposit. Borrowers make fixed monthly payments, and those payments are reported to the credit bureaus.

"Even if someone doesn't have enough to secure a loan with their own funds, someone else can offer an account to secure the loan," McKee explains.

This structured approach can help build installment loan history while maintaining financial stability.

How Long Does It Take?

Building credit requires consistency and patience.

"It typically takes about six months to generate a credit score," McKee says. "It can take up to a year to build a good credit score."

She emphasizes two key habits: make every payment on time and keep balances low.
These behaviors play a significant role in building and maintaining strong credit.

If you have any questions about credit or would like to connect with a personal banker today, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

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Member FDIC | This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or other financial advice. Consumers should seek the advice of a financial advisor/professional, tax consultant, or legal counsel for their specific needs.