 TITLE: Do Prepaid Credit Cards Help Your Credit Score? CONTENT: Alternatives to Help You Build Credit\n-------------------------------------\nIf you can't get a regular unsecured credit card but would still like to build credit, here are two alternatives that offer convenient ways to pay with the added benefit of reporting payments to the credit bureaus.\n*   **Get a secured credit card.** Secured credit cards work like regular credit cards, except that you put down a refundable security deposit that serves as collateral and reduces the lender's risk. Your security deposit generally determines the card's credit limit. Choose a card that reports to at least one credit bureau, use it for small purchases, and pay your bill on time to potentially give your credit score a lift.\n*   **Become an authorized user.** If you have a family member with a good credit score, becoming an authorized user on one of their credit cards allows you to benefit from their positive credit history. You'll be authorized to make purchases with the card, but the primary account holder is ultimately responsible for payments. If the card issuer reports authorized user activity to the credit bureaus, the account will appear on your credit report and potentially help improve your credit score. END