Everyone starts off with useful credit at the age of 18. We all have the same start, so using your credit as a tool to establish a good credit history from the beginning is wise. Establishing good credit is a step by step process. Your credit history affects so many aspects of your future, ranging from your career choices to your dream house. If over time you have established poor credit, you could benefit from credit repair. Credit repair and a committment to change your financial behavior will give you a chance to establish useful credit.
 

Is your credit report accurate? Before you apply for your first credit card or loan, check out your credit report. There may be false items due to a name mix-up or even identity theft. If there are items on your credit report that you have not yourself created, call the appropriate collections agencies or creditors to get it cleared up before you apply for a line of credit.You can also use a credit repair company who can make your report accurate.
 

Establish credit through your bank.
Creating a checking and/or savings account with a bank is an easy way to start your credit history. Having a bank account open for years will signal stability to potential lenders, and if you have a good relationship with your bank they may be more likely to issue you a credit card when you begin to apply. You can also file a joint account with someone who already has an established credit history, but you should exercise caution since their credit achievements and failures will affect your score once you intertwine the two.
 

Responsible use of a credit card builds credit.
Take advantage of one of the credit card offers you will undoubtedly receive, but only one. Use this credit card as a tool to establish credit by being responsible. Too many inquiries, or applications you've made for new credit cards, will take points off of your credit score. Try to choose a card with the lowest interest possible and avoid annual fees if you can. You can also apply for a secured card, which is basically a prepaid credit card. Be cautious with these and find one that has no application fee, is reported to all three credit bureaus, and will convert into a regular revolving credit card after you have successfully made your payments on time or early for twelve to eighteen months. If you make paying off your debts and being prudent with credit decisions one of your priorities, you should have a clear path to good credit ahead of you.