Credit cards are often the first credit-building products that borrowers interact with. In fact, it’s common for Canadians to have at least two active credit card accounts listed on their credit reports. When managed responsibly, a credit card can be a simple and effective tool for creating a solid credit history and raising your credit scores. The higher your credit scores are, the better your chances will be of receiving approval and favourable interest rates for your future credit products. Then again, when handled irresponsibly, your credit card can cause debt and credit issues.
So, you might be wondering if there’s a way of increasing your credit scores without using your credit cards.
How To Build Credit Without A Credit Card?
Credit cards are often used to help build credit scores but if you feel like this is in fact not the best option for you we’ve compiled a list of other options to help you build or rebuild your credit without a credit card.
Use A Personal Loan
Credit cards aren’t the only credit account that shows up on your credit report. Credit activity involving personal loans can also be reported on your credit report. Your personal loan payments can help you build your credit history which could help build your credit scores.
A personal loan is also a good option as they usually have a longer term and lower interest rates than credit cards, making payments more affordable. Moreover, if you’re having a hard time qualifying for an unsecured personal loan, you can opt to secure it with some form of collateral.
Try KOHO’s Credit Building Programs
Instead of using a credit card to help rebuild your credit, you can use one of KOHO’s Credit Building Programs.
KOHO Credit Building
KOHO’s original Credit Building Program is a credit-building line of credit. Users will not have access to any money but will pay a subscription fee that will be reported to a credit bureau. This is what helps build a healthy credit history. You can stay opted for as many months as you need to continue building your credit. The subscription fee is $5, $7, or $10 a month, depending on the type of KOHO account you have.
KOHO Flexible Credit Building
This option consists of a secured line of credit. Users will need to pay a $5 monthly service fee and set aside $30 to $500 within their KOHO account to act as security. Once the line of credit is set up, you can use it to make purchases. Then at the end of your monthly billing cycle, you’ll repay what you used and that payment will be reported to a credit bureau. These payments can help you build a healthy credit history.
Get A Guarantor Loan
If you can’t qualify for a regular personal loan, you can opt for a guarantor loan. This can be particularly helpful for newcomers to Canada and students who haven’t built their credit yet.
When you get a guarantor or cosigner to co-sign a loan with you, they’ll be agreeing to take responsibility for the loan in the event you (the primary borrower) default on the loan. This greatly reduces the risk for the lender and can help you qualify for a loan. Moreover, a guarantor can help you qualify for larger loans, lower interest rates and overall better terms.
If you pay the guarantor loan as agreed, it can help you build credit.
Ask Someone To Add Your Name To Their Credit Card Account
If you don’t want to apply for your own credit card, you can ask to become an “authorized user” on someone else’s account instead. Your name can usually be added to the primary cardholder’s account via online banking, by request at the bank, or by phone directly through the credit card company.
Afterward, you can either use their credit card or you can be issued one of your own. While the primary cardholder is solely responsible for paying the total monthly balance, you yourself can pay your portion of the bill depending on what you’ve agreed upon. Every payment that the primary holder then makes, will be reported on both your credit reports which can help build your credit.
However, it’s important to note that not all creditors report the information for authorized users, so it’s important to speak with the card provider and confirm whether they do.
Have Your Rent Payments Reported
People who have a mortgage benefit from having it appear on their credit reports. Mortgages add to a person’s payment history, which is usually the most significant factor that affects credit.
Similarly, if you have your rent payments reported, it will add to your payment history which can help build your credit. As such, if you rent a house or an apartment then you definitely want to look into having your rent payments reported to the credit bureaus. While options to have your rent payments reported are limited, you can do so through The Landlord Credit Bureau (LCB); a rent payment reporting agency that recently came about in Canada.
Both you and your landlord must be a member of the LCB to have your rent payments reported to Equifax. Once your rent payments start being reported to the credit bureau make sure you always pay on time and in full.
Secured Credit Card
If you’re having trouble qualifying for credit in general, a secured credit card is a good way to get your foot in the door. They are easy to qualify for, all you really need is enough cash to make a security deposit which will also act as your credit limit.
Due to their flexible requirements, these make great resources for those with bad credit. Each payment you make will be reported to the credit bureaus, which will help build your payment history.
Best Secured Credit Cards To Build Credit
| Annual Fee | Interest Rates | Min. Deposit | |
| Neo Secured Credit | $0 | - 19.99% - 26.99% - QC: 19.99%-24.99% | $50 |
| Capital One® Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® | $59 | 19.8% | $75 or $300 |
| Home Trust Secured Visa Card | 0$ or $59 | - 19.99% (no annual fee) - 14.90% (with annual fee) | $500 |
| Vancity enviro™ Secured Visa* card | $0 - $395 | 11.25% or 19.50 % | $500 |
| TD Cash Secured Credit Card | $29 | 27.74% variable APR | $300 |
Credit Builder Loans
A credit builder loan or a savings loan is a product to help individuals improve their credit and save money. When you apply for a credit builder loan, you’ll be given a loan that is held in a secured trust account. To access the funds, you’ll need to make payments until the loan is paid off. While you make payments, each one will be reported to a credit bureau, thereby improving your payment history. Once you’ve “paid off” the loan, you’ll be able to release the funds and use them to make a purchase, pay off debt or put it towards your savings.
This product is best for those who are unable to qualify for regular credit products due to bad credit. If you’ve gone through a consumer proposal or bankruptcy, a credit builder loan is a good option as there usually aren’t any credit checks. Moreover, if you’re new to Canada and don’t have a credit score yet, this is a good way to start building your credit.
Disputing Errors In Your Credit Report
This option only applies to those who already have an established credit report, but it is technically a way of increasing your credit scores without actually using a credit card. Your credit score is directly calculated from the information in your credit report so any errors could potentially have a negative impact on your credit score. Make a habit of checking your credit report at least once a year. That way you’ll be able to catch any errors and dispute them before they affect your scores too much.
Tips On Borrowing To Improve Your Credit
- Borrow That Which You Can Afford – No matter which credit product you’re using, be sure to only borrow how much you can comfortably afford. This will make it easier for you to make your payments and avoid racking up debt.
- Track Your Spending And Stay On Budget – Many people have trouble with overspending and staying on budget. This can make it difficult to pay your bills and keep up with payments, which can make it hard to establish a good credit history. Credit cards are a great way to build credit but they are also a great way to ruin it.
- Always Pay Your Bills On Time – Paying your bills on time is probably the most efficient way of building your credit. Ensure you pay at least the minimum payment to avoid any penalty fees which can add to your debt.
Building Credit FAQs
What’s the difference between a credit card and a secured credit card?
Should I use a credit card or a personal loan for a big purchase?
How long will it take to improve my credit scores?
Bottom Line
Credit cards can be a great way to help rebuild your credit but they aren’t your only option. If you feel that using your credit card to build your credit scores is too much of a risk or you’re looking for a different option then you should consider one of the above alternatives. They’ll be just as effective and you’ll have peace of mind that you won’t rack up too much credit card debt.
