How to build credit

Discover how the three C's can be your go-to guide for managing credit.

Introducing the three C's of building credit

Getting and keeping good credit may be easier than you think. We can help you in three easy steps — check, create and commit.

Video duration: 0 minutes, 59 seconds

Transcript date: July 13, 2023

How to build and maintain good credit: Elapsed time 0 seconds [0:00]

Building credit doesn't have to be difficult. Start simple with the three C's: check, create and commit.

Check your credit reports:

You can check your three credit reports every year for free and get a list of your outstanding debt. Make sure they're correct, look for any signs of identity theft, and dispute any inaccuracies.

Create a plan:

Make room in your budget. Reduce your expenses or generate more income so you'll have extra money to pay down your debt.

Commit to your plan:

Stay on track by monitoring your credit. Pay your bills on time, every time.

Check out the Credit Reports and Scores how-to guides on ConsumerFinance.gov^{See note1} to get started.

Need more help? You can speak with a nonprofit credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at nfcc.org.^{See note1}

Learn more by visiting usaa.com/howtocredit.

Description of visual information: [^{See note1} You are leaving USAA and being directed to a third party site that is not maintained, owned or operated by USAA. USAA does not control and is not responsible for the site content or the privacy or security practices of third parties. You should read the third party's privacy and security policies and site terms, as their practices may differ from those of USAA.

The USAA Advice Center provides general advice, tools and resources to guide your journey. Content may mention products, features or services that USAA Federal Savings Bank does not offer. The information contained is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent any endorsement, expressed or implied, by USAA or any affiliates. All information provided is subject to change without notice.

USAA believes the websites and resources used to gather this information are reliable; however, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the information.

All credit counseling services are provided by a member agency of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, which is not part of or affiliated with USAA. All advice, tools, educational materials and representations are provided solely by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. USAA assumes no responsibility or liability for the suitability or accuracy of such information.] End of description.

End:

Check your credit reports.

Check your three major credit reports at least once a year to get a detailed breakdown of your debt and to make sure your reports are accurate.

Review your credit report.

Getting a detailed breakdown of your outstanding debt from a credit bureau is a good place to start.

Request your free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com^{See note1}
Dispute inaccuracies.

If you find any inaccurate information, be sure to dispute it. Pay special attention to any signs of identity theft.

Learn more from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau^{See note1}

Create a plan.

Create an action plan for establishing, maintaining or improving your credit.

Create your plan.

Check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's credit reports and scores page for some helpful insights. Then, use the "How-to guides" to start creating your plan.

Learn more about credit reports
and scores^{See note1}
Find room in your budget.

If you can reduce your expenses, you'll have extra money to pay down debt, and you may be able to improve your credit.

Review your budget

Commit to your plan.

Commit to the plan and stay on track.

Monitor your credit.

Monitor your credit so you can track your progress and stay aware of anything that may be inaccurate.

Learn more with this guide from consumerfinance.gov^{See note1}
Pay bills on time.

Put your plan into action by adjusting recurring payments for your regular bills. This helps ensure your payments are made on time, every time.

Manage your bills with USAA Pay Bills tool^{See note2}

Looking for more help with your finances?

How to Pay Off Debt

Help reduce stress and keep more of your hard-earned money by managing debt.

Learn about reducing debt
How to Budget

Spend wisely and manage your money to help reduce stress.

Learn how to budget
How to Save

Build a savings cushion to help prepare for whatever life throws your way.

Begin a savings plan

How to build credit FAQ

Does checking my credit hurt my score?

Why are there so many different credit scores?

There are different scores because there are different data analytics companies that develop credit score models. For example, FICO® is the most common household name, and Experian, Equifax and Transunion all have models and provide different FICO® Credit Scores.

There are also scores that are specific to products like auto, credit card and mortgage. Different scoring models are developed so lenders can address specific needs.

Why is the credit score I see different than the lenders?

Should I consider using a credit repair service?

Typically, no. Credit repair companies charge you to clean up your credit report. In most cases, you can correct any inaccurate information on your own for free. You can correct information in your file, but no one — not even a credit repair company — can remove negative information if it's accurate. You can improve your credit by paying down balances and continuously making systematic, on-time payments.

What should I do if I'm deploying?

What factors make up my credit score?

Do my spouse and I share a credit score?

What is the difference between credit counseling and credit repair?

Debt settlement companies will negotiate a lower balance with your creditors and credit repair companies will attempt to have negative items removed from your credit report. Credit counselors advise you on managing your money and can help you obtain your credit report and scores, develop a budget and organize a plan to pay down debt.

Learn more by reading our article about credit repair options.

The truth about credit scores – 10 myths debunked

Read articleThe truth about credit scores – 10 myths debunked
Good credit: Your guide to getting it and keeping it

Read article about getting and keeping good credit.
Denied for credit? Here's why — and what you can do about it

Read article about why and what you can do about being denied for credit.

View all finance resources

Note 1 You are leaving USAA and being directed to a third party site that is not maintained, owned or operated by USAA. USAA does not control and is not responsible for the site content or the privacy or security practices of third parties. You should read the third party's privacy and security policies and site terms, as their practices may differ from those of USAA.

Note 2 USAA Pay Bills requires the payee's address to be in the U.S., a U.S. territory, or APO/FPO.

This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legal or estate planning professional.

Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change.

Bank products offered by USAA Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. Credit card, mortgage and other lending products not FDIC-insured.

The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners.

284855

How to build credit

Introducing the three C's of building credit

How to build credit

How to build credit

How to build and maintain good credit: Elapsed time 0 seconds [0:00]

Check your credit reports: Elapsed time 10 seconds [0:10]

Create a plan: Elapsed time 23 seconds [0:23]

Commit to your plan: Elapsed time 31 seconds [0:31]

End: Elapsed time 58 seconds [0:58]

Check your credit reports.

Review your credit report.

Dispute inaccuracies.

Create a plan.

Create your plan.

Find room in your budget.

Commit to your plan.

Monitor your credit.

Pay bills on time.

Looking for more help with your finances?

How to Pay Off Debt

How to Budget

How to Save

How to build credit FAQ

Related articles

The truth about credit scores – 10 myths debunked

Good credit: Your guide to getting it and keeping it

Denied for credit? Here's why — and what you can do about it

Check your credit reports:

Create a plan:

Commit to your plan:

End: