Help me start my credit off right please!!

[Thomas_Thumb]

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@Anonymouswrote:

Here is the link for the Share Secured Loan Technique.  Although Alliant no longer offers SS loans, we feel confident that we will eventually find some good options in our Quest for an Alternative to Alliant. 

Note that the "all zero except one" technique for credit cards (also called AZEO) only really comes into its own in the 40 days before an important application for credit.  By implementing AZEO 40 days before you apply for your next loan or card, you will get all the extra points from AZEO that you can.

In the meantime, there is nothing wrong with allowing cards to report a small balance each month.  Be sure that you are only using your cards to buy stuff you really need: gas, groceries, cell phone bill, etc.  Keep your total utilization (all credit limits combined) very low (less than 9%) and each card considered by itself at less than 29%.

And don't apply for any more cards for at least 13 more months.

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I agree with the above but, for those starting out I'd forego an SSL as it is an unnecessary complication. If building credit is the main goal get two or three "prime" CCs as part of a mini spree. Then use each one periodically to grow CLs. No real advantage to restrict balances reporting to only one card - just PIF statement balances before due date to avoid interest payments. 

As CGID said keep reported balances low enough to maintain UT on each card below 29%. Frankly, there is no harm to credit building if aggregate utilization spikes above 9% once in a while - just realize score will suffer temporarily during spike periods. No need for micro managing payments on low limit cards and suffer anxiety attacks. All that's required is responsible credit management  and avoid late payments at all costs.