Using a Loan to Establish Credit

Credit for students can be relatively easily established thanks to credit card issuers targeting this segment with student card programs. College students can also establish credit through student loans. Most college-bound seniors qualify for federal and other student loans that, if applied for in their own name, go miles to establishing credit. A history of on-time student loan payments is a benchmark of creditworthiness. For those who do not qualify for student loans or are not attending college, a small personal loan may be available to you through your local bank or credit union. However, some loans require application fees, and all loans require interest payments. As with all credit, it is imperative that you make your loan payment on time to build a record of responsible money management.