 TITLE: Why a Credit Card Alone Might Not Be Enough to Build Your Credit CONTENT: It's Not Just a Loan, It's How You Use It\n-----------------------------------------\nLoans by themselves don't help you build credit—you also have to manage them responsibly. Since installment loans have a set payment due date each month where you owe a fixed amount, you have to pay it on time and in full every time.\nThis on-time payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score and is the most important factor.\nEven just one missed or late payment could stay on your credit report for seven years or more and negatively impact your score.\nBottom line? Adding an installment loan to your credit mix could help your credit, but only if you use it well. END