Best Purchases for Credit Score Boosting (2024)

Building credit is essential for financial flexibility and freedom. While many people think that avoiding debt is the way to a healthy financial future, the truth is that building a strong credit history is equally important. In this article, we’ll explore the best things to buy to build credit, small purchases that can make a big impact, and whether you should be using your credit card for credit-building.

What Are Good Things to Buy on Credit to Build Credit?

The best things to buy to build credit are recurring, manageable expenses like utility bills, groceries, and subscription services. Such expenses are typically low-cost, recur monthly, and can be paid off easily, making them ideal for building a positive credit history.

Small Things to Buy to Build Credit

Building credit doesn’t mean making large purchases that could lead you into debt. Small things to buy could include gas, groceries, or even a coffee. “I always recommend starting small,” says Reddit user and financial advisor, Jim_The_Savvy. “For many, this approach has proven to be one of the Reddit best things to buy to build credit.”

Best Purchases for Credit Score Boosting (1)

Should I Buy Things with My Credit Card to Build Credit?

Yes, responsibly using a credit card for regular expenses is a good way to build credit. The key is to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and to build a positive payment history.

Things to Buy with No Credit to Build It Up

When you’re starting from scratch with no credit history, focus on secured credit cards or retail store cards for minor purchases. Things like household necessities, small appliances, or groceries can be good starting points.

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Things to Buy to Build Up Credit

As you become more comfortable with your credit card, consider transitioning from smaller, everyday expenses to moderate recurring bills. This could include a low-cost gym membership or streaming subscriptions. These moderate monthly charges help to further establish creditworthiness.

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What Are Things I Can Buy to Build Credit?

You can buy virtually anything to build credit as long as you can pay off the balance. Common purchases include groceries, gas, and bills. But the key to building credit isn’t what you buy, but how consistently you pay it off.

Best Things to Buy on Credit Card to Build Credit

Some people believe that more significant purchases like electronics or furniture are the best things to buy on a credit card to build credit. However, be cautious: the interest on these items can quickly add up if you’re unable to pay the balance in full.

Using a credit card wisely is one of the most effective ways to build credit. But what are the best things to buy on a credit card to build credit?

  1. Recurring Bills: Paying your recurring bills with a credit card can help you build a history of on-time payments, which is critical for a good credit score.
  2. Groceries: Buying groceries is not only a basic need but also a relatively small and consistent expense that you can easily pay off every month.
  3. Gas: Like groceries, gas is a regular expense that most people incur. It’s a good purchase to put on your credit card to build credit as long as you pay it off each month.

Good Things to Buy to Build Credit

The adage “Don’t bite off more than you can chew” applies here. Good things to buy are those that you were going to purchase anyway and that you can pay off immediately. This way, you build credit without accumulating debt.

How to Monitor Your Credit

Monitoring your credit involves checking your credit reports and scores regularly. Free credit monitoring services and apps offer real-time alerts, helping you quickly identify any suspicious activities or inaccuracies that could affect your credit score.

The Importance of Credit History

Building a solid credit history isn’t just about buying things; it’s also about how long you’ve been a credit user. Older credit accounts positively affect your credit score. It’s advisable not to close your old credit cards as long as they don’t have annual fees.

Key Takeaways

Understanding what to buy to build your credit is a crucial step in securing your financial future. Whether it’s small daily expenses or moderate monthly bills, the trick lies in responsible purchasing and timely payments. And remember, building credit is a marathon, not a sprint. Your responsible actions today will pave the way for financial security tomorrow.

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Best Purchases for Credit Score Boosting (2024)

FAQs

What purchases build credit the fastest? ›

Minor Purchases to Build Credit
  • Groceries. Groceries are one of the biggest monthly expenses for many families and households, so it can make sense to put your grocery purchases on your credit card. ...
  • Gas. Gas is another large expense for many people. ...
  • Utilities. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Streaming Subscriptions. ...
  • Gym Membership. ...
  • Entertainment. ...
  • Car.
Feb 15, 2023

What boosts credit score the most? ›

Ways to improve your credit score
  • Paying your loans on time.
  • Not getting too close to your credit limit.
  • Having a long credit history.
  • Making sure your credit report doesn't have errors.
Jul 2, 2024

What major purchases do you need an excellent good credit score for? ›

If you want to get the best credit cards, mortgages and competitive loan rates — which can save you money over time — excellent credit can help you qualify. “Excellent” is the highest tier of credit scores you can have.

What is the secret to raising your credit score fast? ›

Keep paying your bills on time.

Even if you can't afford to pay your balance in full every month, try to pay the minimum — your credit scores will thank you. If you're prone to forgetfulness, you might consider setting up an autopay option.

How to get a 700 credit score in 30 days? ›

Here are steps you can take that can have a positive credit score impact more quickly.
  1. Understand What Factors Affect Your Credit Score. ...
  2. Pay Off Credit Card Debt. ...
  3. Become an Authorized User. ...
  4. Get Credit for On-Time Bill Payments. ...
  5. Dispute Credit Report Inaccuracies.
Jul 16, 2024

How to raise your credit score 200 points in 30 days? ›

How to Improve Your Credit Score
  1. Review Your Credit Reports. The best way to identify which steps are most important for you is to read through your credit reports. ...
  2. Pay Every Bill on Time. ...
  3. Maintain a Low Credit Utilization Rate. ...
  4. Avoid Unnecessary Credit Applications. ...
  5. Monitor Your Credit Regularly.
Jul 23, 2024

How can I increase my credit score massively? ›

Paying your accounts regularly and on time will improve your score as you build a credit history. Missed payments, defaults and court judgments will stay on your credit report for six years. However, the impact of any missed payments or defaults will likely reduce as the record ages.

How to get 800 credit score in 45 days? ›

Here are 10 ways to increase your credit score by 100 points - most often this can be done within 45 days.
  1. Check your credit report. ...
  2. Pay your bills on time. ...
  3. Pay off any collections. ...
  4. Get caught up on past-due bills. ...
  5. Keep balances low on your credit cards. ...
  6. Pay off debt rather than continually transferring it.

What is the #1 way to build a good credit score? ›

Pay bills on time and in full

“Making payments on time and keeping your balances low are the two most important factors when it comes to building credit,” Griffin says. In fact, payment history is the most important factor making up your credit score.

What credit score do you need to get a $30,000 loan? ›

This allows them to look at your history from the past seven years and see whether you've typically made payments on time. For a $30,000 loan, you'll typically need a credit score above 600 just to qualify or above 700 to get a competitive rate.

How to get a 900 credit score? ›

8 ways to achieve a perfect credit score
  1. Maintain a consistent payment history. ...
  2. Monitor your credit score regularly. ...
  3. Keep old accounts open and use them sporadically. ...
  4. Report your on-time rent and utility payments. ...
  5. Increase your credit limit when possible. ...
  6. Avoid maxing out your credit cards. ...
  7. Balance your credit utilization.
Jun 18, 2024

Do large purchases increase credit score? ›

Credit score impact

Experts recommend keeping your credit utilization below 30%. If you make a big purchase on a credit card, it may bring you close to your credit limit. And unless you pay off the balance quickly, it could negatively impact your credit score.

Should I pay off my credit card in full or leave a small balance? ›

If you have a credit card balance, it's typically best to pay it off in full if you can. Carrying a balance can lead to expensive interest charges and growing debt. Plus, using more than 30% of your credit line is likely to have a negative effect on your credit scores.

What habit lowers your credit score? ›

Late or missed payments can cause your credit score to decline. The impact can vary depending on your credit score — the higher your score, the more likely you are to see a steep drop.

How to boost credit score overnight? ›

5 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Overnight
  1. Review Your Credit Reports and Dispute Errors.
  2. Pay Bills On Time.
  3. Report Positive Payment History Like Utilities to Credit Bureaus.
  4. Keep Old Accounts Open.
  5. Keep Your Credit Balances Under 30%

How can I raise my credit score 100 points overnight? ›

10 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
  1. Review Your Credit Report. ...
  2. Pay Your Bills on Time. ...
  3. Ask for Late Payment Forgiveness. ...
  4. Keep Credit Card Balances Low. ...
  5. Keep Old Credit Cards Active. ...
  6. Become an Authorized User. ...
  7. Consider a Credit Builder Loan. ...
  8. Take Out a Secured Credit Card.

How to get a 720 credit score in 6 months? ›

Top ways to raise your credit score

You can do several things in the short term to try to better your credit score. Improving your credit utilization will likely have the quickest impact. You can accomplish this by paying down debt, upping your credit limit or opening a new credit account.

Which type of credit has grown the fastest? ›

Back in 2010, student loan debt outstanding in the United States surpassed outstanding credit card debt. Student loan debt hit the $1 trillion mark in 2013. It's still the fastest growing consumer debt and a lot of it isn't getting paid back.

What is the fastest way to build credit from scratch? ›

9 ways to build credit fast
  1. Understand the concept of credit. ...
  2. Check and monitor your credit. ...
  3. Dispute credit report errors. ...
  4. Open a credit card account. ...
  5. Take out a credit-builder loan. ...
  6. Become an authorized user. ...
  7. Request a credit limit increase. ...
  8. Keep a mix of different account types.
Apr 11, 2024

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