 TITLE: How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit - Experian CONTENT: Starting to Build Credit With a Credit Card\n-------------------------------------------\nCredit cards help you build credit because credit card issuers typically report your account and activity to the national credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. The bureaus then use this information to create your credit reports, which are the basis of your credit scores.\nTo start building credit with a card, you'll need to either open a credit card of your own or become an authorized user on someone else's credit card. Getting a card of your own can be difficult if you've never had credit before, or if you have poor credit. However, there are options.\n*   **Secured credit cards** are often a stepping stone if you're starting to build or rebuild your credit. These cards function like normal credit cards, but you'll have to send the card issuer a refundable security deposit when you open your account. Secured cards may have high fees and don't necessarily offer great cardholder benefits, but responsible use can help you qualify for better credit cards later.\n*   A **student credit card** can also be a good first option if you're a student. Student cards tend to have low credit limits; however, there are student cards available that have few fees and offer rewards on purchases.\nYou can also ask a friend or family member to add you as an authorized user on one of their credit cards. When they do, their credit card company can report the account to the bureaus under your name as well. You'll get your own card and can make purchases, as long as the primary cardholder agrees.\nHaving another person's card as part of your credit history can help you build credit—as long as the primary user manages their card well. Your credit won't be helped if the primary cardholder doesn't make payments on time, for example.\nOnce you begin building good credit of your own, it may be easier to get approved for different types of unsecured credit cards. END