Credit is the financial reputation you didn't know you needed. Want an apartment? Credit check. Car loan? Credit check. Even some jobs check your credit. Starting at 18 gives you a massive advantage โ€” if you do it right.

Here's the complete roadmap from zero credit to a 700+ score in 12 months.

Month 1: Get Your First Card

With no credit history, you need a starter card:

  • Student credit cards โ€” Discover It Student, Capital One Journey
  • Secured cards โ€” Discover It Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured
  • Store cards โ€” Amazon, Target (easier approval, limited use)

Pro tip: If denied, become an authorized user on a parent's card. Their good history becomes yours.

Months 2-6: Build Payment History

This is everything. Payment history is 35% of your credit score.

  • Set up autopay for the full statement balance
  • Never miss a payment (ever)
  • Use the card for small purchases only ($20-$100/month)
  • Pay off completely each month

Months 7-12: Optimize Your Score

Now that you have 6 months of history, optimize:

  • Credit utilization โ€” Keep it under 10% (if your limit is $500, never owe more than $50)
  • Credit age โ€” Keep that first card open forever (even if you get better ones)
  • Credit mix โ€” Eventually add an installment loan (car, personal) for variety

What Hurts Your Score (Avoid These)

  • Late payments โ€” One 30-day late payment can drop your score 50-100 points
  • Maxing out cards โ€” High utilization screams 'financial stress'
  • Applying for too many cards โ€” Each hard inquiry dings your score
  • Closing old cards โ€” Shortens your credit history
  • Ignoring your credit report โ€” Check annually at AnnualCreditReport.com

Credit Score Breakdown:

  • 35% Payment history (pay on time)
  • 30% Credit utilization (keep it low)
  • 15% Length of credit history (keep old accounts)
  • 10% Credit mix (variety of account types)
  • 10% New credit (don't apply for everything)

What Score Gets You What:

  • 580-669: Fair โ€” Basic cards, higher interest rates
  • 670-739: Good โ€” Most cards, decent rates
  • 740-799: Very Good โ€” Best cards, low rates
  • 800+: Excellent โ€” VIP treatment, lowest rates

The Bottom Line: Start at 18, pay on time, keep balances low, and you'll have a 700+ score by graduation. That's the difference between a 6% and 18% car loan. That's real money.