Picture this: You're about to check out. The cashier asks — cash or card?
If building your credit score is the goal, using your credit card is a smart move. But it’s not just about swiping, it’s about using it wisely.
Here are five simple credit habits that can help you build and boost your score
Understanding Credit Card Basics
Before we jump into habits, it helps to understand a few credit card terms:
- Annual Fees: A yearly charge for using the card. (Good news: CCCU has options with no annual fees 🙌)
- Credit Limit: Your spending cap. Not a goal to hit — more like a budget boundary.
- Interest Rates (APR): What you’ll pay if you carry a balance. Paying in full? You can usually skip this part.
Now, let’s talk about how to actually build credit.
1. Pay More Than the Minimum Monthly Payment
Making your minimum payment keeps your account in good standing. But paying more helps you lower your balance faster and shows lenders you’re managing credit responsibly.
What it means for your credit: Your payment history is the most important part of your credit score (it makes up 35%). The more consistent you are, the stronger your score gets.
What to do: Set up automatic payments for the minimum, then add extra when you can. Even a little more makes a difference over time.
2. Keep Utilization Under 30% of Your Credit Limit
One of the biggest things credit bureaus look at is how much of your available credit you’re using — this is called your utilization rate.
What it means for your credit: High balances can lower your score. Try to keep your balance under 30% of your credit limit (or under 10% for the best results ).
What to do: Track your balance throughout the month and pay it down before your statement closes. You’ll avoid interest and help your score at the same time.
3. Never Miss a Payment Due Date
Life gets busy, but missing a credit card payment can seriously hurt your score and stick around for years.
What it means for your credit: Even one late payment can drop your score by more than 80 points and stay on your report for up to 7 years.
What to do: Set reminders, turn on account alerts, or schedule auto-pay. Find whatever system works best to help you stay on time, every time.
4. Use Your Card Regularly But Responsibly
Your credit score benefits from regular activity, as long as you’re staying within your limit and paying your balance on time.
What it means for your credit: Responsible, consistent use helps build a strong credit history over time.
What to do: Choose one monthly expense — like gas, groceries, or a streaming subscription — and put it on your card. Then pay it off in full. Set it, forget it, build credit.
5. Pay Your Balance in Full When Possible
Interest charges can sneak up fast. When you pay your balance in full, you avoid interest and show lenders you’re not relying on credit to get by.
What it means for your credit: Paying in full signals that you’re using credit as a tool, not as a crutch.
What to do: Treat your credit card like a debit card. Spend only what you can afford, and pay it off each month whenever possible.
CCCU Credit Building Solutions
At City & County Credit Union, we’re here to help you build, not borrow your way into stress. Whether you’re starting out or rebuilding, we’ve got a card to fit your needs:
- Platinum Credit Card: Rates as low as 12.25% APR, no annual fee, and free balance transfers.
- Platinum Rewards Credit Card: Earn 1% cash back on every purchase, with rates starting at 15.00% APR.
- Share Secured Platinum Mastercard®: Backed by your CCCU savings account, a great way to start building credit from the ground up.
Ready to See Where Your Credit Stands?
With CCCU’s free credit score tool, SavvyMoney, you can check your score, monitor your credit, and get personalized tips, all without hurting your score.
With SavvyMoney, you can:
- View your credit score & full report anytime
- Get weekly updates and real-time monitoring
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View your Credit Score Action Plan
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Take a financial checkup
Just log in and select 'My Credit Score' to get started on your journey to better credit today!