How to Build Credit [Infographic]

Credit challenges come in many forms: foreclosure, bankruptcy, or a costly medical emergency. Or maybe you just missed a few car payments during tough times. Bad credit happens to good people all the time. A run of bad luck can throw even the most responsible person into a financial free fall. Fortunately, learning how to build credit or rebuild your credit score is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, one of the best ways to begin rebuilding is using small, everyday purchases to your advantage.

So you’re looking to increase your credit score—preferably sooner rather than later.

There’s no one recipe for good credit. But the most successful ones share many of the same ingredients and proven techniques.