 TITLE: How Does Buying a Car Affect Your Credit? CONTENT: Additional Ways to Build a Positive Credit History\n--------------------------------------------------\nGetting an auto loan and making your payments on time is one of the best ways to build up a positive credit history, but it's not ideal to start financing a car when you have low credit scores. If you have poor or fair credit, you can help boost your score by bringing any late accounts current, making all your payments on time and paying down debt.\nIf you're new to credit, you can build a credit history by applying for credit cards, using them for small purchases each month, and paying your bill on time and in full. If you can't qualify for a regular credit card, consider applying for a secured credit card, or see if a family member with good credit will add you to their account as an authorized user. Another option to consider is a credit-builder loan.\nIf you're a renter, you can ask your landlord to report your rent payments to credit bureaus. Most landlords don't normally do this, but if yours is willing to start, adding the information to your credit report can help build your credit. END