: You need credit history to get a good score, but need a good score to get credit. The Role of Credit Cards
: Payment history (35%) and credit utilization (30%) are the heavy hitters. Credit Scores, Credit Cards: How Consumer Finan...
: High balances relative to limits can "tank" a score quickly. : You need credit history to get a
: Timely card payments are the fastest way to demonstrate reliability to bureaus. Credit Scores act as your financial GPA. Credit Cards are the "homework" that determines that grade. Credit Scores, Credit Cards: How Consumer Finan...
: Keeping old card accounts open increases the average age of your history.
: Cards are the primary tool for building a credit footprint.