 TITLE: No Credit Card? Here Are Other Ways to Build Your Credit CONTENT: How to Build Credit Responsibly\n-------------------------------\nAs you begin your quest to build credit and eventually qualify for a credit card, make sure you're following these best practices to keep your credit on the right track.\n*   **Continue paying every bill on time**. Whether it's a medical bill, credit card payment or student loan, ensure every payment is on time. Late or missed payments will hurt your credit, so do what you can to make sure you submit payments by their due dates.\n*   **Don't overdo it with new accounts**. Once your credit improves, you may be eager to apply for credit cards with perks. But don't go too crazy; every application puts a hard inquiry on your credit report, and too many of these can have a negative effect. Don't apply for new accounts just because you can.\n*   **Keep your credit utilization ratio low**. It's important you don't use all of the credit available to you. If you have credit cards, this means not using more than 30% of your credit limit at any given time—credit experts say a utilization rate that's any higher will hurt your credit score. In other words, keep your balances as low as possible, and don't max out a credit card; it makes you look overleveraged to lenders and can hurt your credit score.\n*   **Hold on to accounts in good standing**. As you build credit, keep in mind that longevity of accounts is a factor in your credit score. The longer an account is on your credit report, the more it helps you. If you have an unused credit card, consider keeping it open since it helps keep your credit utilization ratio lower and helps show longevity. It's worth noting, however, that an account closed in good standing will stay on your credit for 10 years. So if an account isn't worth the fees associated with it, feel free to close it without worrying too much about how it may affect your credit. END