Building Your Credit

Understanding your FICO score is crucial for building credit, as it is the most commonly used by lenders. Payment history accounts for 35% of your score, so paying off your credit card in full each month is essential. Contrary to popular belief, maintaining a small balance on your card does not benefit your credit; it's a strategy favored by credit card companies to generate interest. Additionally, keeping your oldest credit card open can strengthen your credit history over time.