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  Home >> Lending >> Credit Cards  
Obtaining a Credit Card to Improve Credit Score

I have good credit for being under 25 and am current on my student loan payments and car payments. I do not have a credit card, but instead use my debit card for constant expenses, such as gas. Should I get a credit card for these expenses simply to improve my credit score, or should I just not worry about another bill each month?


While it can't be verified that simply obtaining a credit card will in itself improve your credit score, having one will help you establish your borrowing power. The problem with credit cards is when charges are made, but only minimal payments are made, stretching out the repayment.

Credit cards are excellent for making purchases securely online. You can obtain consumer protections by using a credit card, which are not generally obtainable just using a debit card. Credit cards are often a necessity when traveling as well, and may work better for you than a debit card. Hotels, as an example, often block the cost of several days stay out of your available balance. On a credit card this has almost no effect on you, but with a debit card, you may find a large part of your deposit balance "held" from your use for several days.

Having a credit card can be a good thing, so long as it is used responsibly and the balance is not allowed to get out of control. Use your new credit card, but pay the balance monthly.

Published on BankingQuestions.com 11/16/07