 TITLE: How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit CONTENT: While opening and using credit cards can be a good way to build credit, they're not the only option. Loans and other types of accounts can also help if they're reported to the credit bureaus.\nWhen you're starting out, you could look into credit-builder loans, which are designed specifically for this purpose. Other common loans, such as student, auto and mortgage loans can also help you build credit.\nAs with credit cards, making payments on time with loans is the most important factor in building credit. Your remaining balance can also impact your scores, but it's not as important as utilization rates on credit cards.\nOther types of accounts, such as utility and phone plans, often don't get reported to the bureaus or impact your credit. However, Experian Boost™† is a free service that allows you to add your phone and utility accounts to your Experian credit report so they can help you build credit. There are also rent reporting services that you may be able to use to add your rent payments to your credit reports. END