 TITLE: How to Start Building Credit After College CONTENT: Become an Authorized User\n-------------------------\nIf your parent or another trusted adult has solid credit, you can ask them to add you to one of their credit cards as an authorized user to jumpstart your credit history. When you're an authorized user, you're essentially a secondary account holder on the primary user's account. While you'll get your own card with your name on it, it's linked to the primary cardholder's account, and it's their responsibility to pay the bill. Because your name is on the account, it will likely show up on your credit report. Be aware that not all credit bureaus report activity from authorized users, so it's optimal to have your own credit card. But if you can't qualify for one, this is a great place to start.\nIf the primary cardholder is savvy with credit—for example, the account has been open awhile, they have a good repayment history and they maintain a low credit utilization ratio—and the account shows up on your credit report, it can help boost your credit. On the flip side, if the primary cardholder doesn't pay their credit card bill on time, it can reflect poorly on your credit, so make sure you trust the person. Also, assuming the primary cardholder is fine with you using the card, be sure you don't do anything irresponsible with it, since it will harm their credit. END