Dad's Quick Take
A credit score (usually 300–850) predicts how likely you are to pay back borrowed money. You build it by borrowing a little and paying it back on time, every time. Pay on time and keep balances low and your score climbs.
What goes into the score
- Payment history (~35%) — do you pay on time? The single biggest factor.
- Amounts owed / utilization (~30%) — how much of your available credit you're using. Keep it under 30%.
- Length of history (~15%) — older accounts help, so don't close your first card.
- Credit mix & new credit (~20%) — a variety of accounts and not opening too many at once.
How to start from zero
- Open a secured or student credit card and use it for one small recurring bill.
- Turn on autopay for the full balance so you never miss a date.
- Keep your balance under 30% of the limit (under 10% is even better).
- Become an authorized user on a trusted family member's old, well-paid card if you can.
- Check your score for free (many banks and apps show it) and your full report at annualcreditreport.com.
Why it matters
A good score can mean a cheaper car loan, an approved apartment application, and lower deposits on utilities. A few good habits now save you real money for years.
Common questions
How long until I have a score?
Usually about six months of activity on one account.
Does checking my own score hurt it?
No. Checking your own (a 'soft' inquiry) never affects your score. Only applying for new credit causes a small temporary dip.
What's a 'good' score?
Roughly: 670+ is good, 740+ is very good. But going from zero to 700 is mostly just time plus on-time payments.