Build Your Credit Record as a Young Adult
Follow these tips for getting your first credit card or car loan.

When you’re just starting out, you have a clean financial slate, which can be good and bad -- good because you haven’t had time to screw up but bad because lenders can’t predict whether you will. Paying student loans and being an authorized user on a parent’s credit card will help build your credit record, but they likely are not enough for you to get your own credit card or car loan.
DOWNLOAD: The Kip Tips iPad App
Try applying for a credit card through your bank or credit union or from a retailer. An American Express card may be within reach because Amex considers income and assets, among other criteria. The Blue Card offers 0% interest for 12 months and no annual fee.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Or apply for a secured credit card. You typically deposit a sum that becomes your credit limit; after a year of on-time payments, you can usually qualify for an unsecured card. We like the Capital One Secured MasterCard, which has a $29 annual fee; a $49 deposit gets you a $200 credit limit.
If a bank turns you down for a car loan, hit the dealer’s lot. Dealers often have looser lending standards (after all, they want to sell you a car). Nissan and Hyundai, in particular, are known for being liberal in extending credit.
This article first appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. For more help with your personal finances and investments, please subscribe to the magazine. It might be the best investment you ever make.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Soar on China Trade Talk Hopes
Treasury Secretary Bessent said current U.S.-China trade relations are unsustainable and signaled hopes for negotiations.
By Karee Venema
-
2026 Disney Dining Plan Returns: Free Dining for Kids & Resort Benefits
Plan your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation now. Learn about the returning Disney Dining Plan, how kids aged three to nine eat free, and the exclusive benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
By Carla Ayers
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
By Cameron Huddleston
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and More
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
By Cameron Huddleston
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Bill
health insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
By Rivan V. Stinson
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime Membership
Feature Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
By Bob Niedt
-
How to Haggle for Almost Anything
Smart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
By Katherine Reynolds Lewis
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID Coverage
Coronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
By Rivan V. Stinson
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-Store
Did you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before adding these 21 items to your cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
By Bob Niedt
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scam
personal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
By Rivan V. Stinson