Credit in the United States: Build a Record, Check Reports and Protect Your Identity
Opening a bank account and building a credit record are different tasks. Before applying for a card or loan, learn what gets reported, how to check your record and how to protect it. This guide explains federal consumer guidance, not a promise of approval or a particular score.
1. Start with a product you understand
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says secured credit cards and credit-builder loans can help establish or rebuild credit. A secured card requires a cash deposit; a credit-builder loan holds money as savings while you make payments. Ask the provider about fees, interest, deposit terms and reporting before you apply. Do not assume a debit or prepaid card builds credit: the CFPB says those payments generally are not reported to the nationwide credit reporting companies.
Official sources: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-some-ways-to-start-or-rebuild-a-good-credit-history-en-2155/
2. Pay on time without paying interest just to build a score
The CFPB advises paying on time, keeping balances low compared with your credit limit, and applying only for credit you need. It says you do not need to carry a credit-card balance to get a good score. Paying the balance in full each month helps keep interest costs down. Set reminders and check that any automatic payment actually went through. There is no guaranteed quick formula for a strong score.
Official sources: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-and-keep-a-good-credit-score-en-318/
3. Get the report, then check the details
According to the CFPB, you can view a free report from each of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion once a week through AnnualCreditReport.com. The legal entitlement to one free report from each company every 12 months also remains. Use the link from the CFPB page below rather than an advertisement promising a free report in exchange for a subscription. Requesting your own reports does not hurt your score. Review the accounts and information for mistakes; a report and a credit score are different things.
Official sources: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-and-check-my-credit-report-and-credit-score-en-5/ · https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/
4. Dispute mistakes and consider a free freeze
The CFPB says an error generally needs to be disputed with both the reporting company and the business that supplied it. Explain what is wrong and keep copies of supporting records; send copies, not original documents. A security freeze can help stop someone opening new credit in your name. Contact each of the three reporting companies separately. Freezing and lifting a freeze are free and do not affect your scores, but a freeze can also stop your own new credit application until lifted. It is not the same as a paid credit-lock service, and the federal freeze rule does not cover reports requested for employment, tenant screening or insurance.
Official sources: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-an-error-on-my-credit-report-en-314/ · https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-freeze-or-security-freeze-on-my-credit-report-en-1341/
Sources last reviewed: October 29, 2026. Requirements vary by provider, program and location; check the responsible official agency for your circumstances.
