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The Daily Insight Hub

Can your credit score be affected if you have no credit?

Author

Emma Miller

Updated on January 27, 2026

If you don’t have a credit report, you won’t have a credit score. Most credit scoring models need at least one or two active credit accounts to generate a credit score. Your score may even vary with the same lender if you’re applying for different types of credit.

What is your credit score if you have zero credit?

No one actually has a credit score of zero, even if they have a troubled history with credit. The FICO scoring model, for instance, ranges between 300 and 850. It’s rare for anyone to have a score below 470. According to Experian, 99% of consumers have FICO scores higher than 470.

What should I put for credit history if I have no credit?

3 things you should do if you have no credit history

  • Become an authorized user. One of the simplest ways to build credit is by becoming an authorized user on a family member or friend’s credit card.
  • Apply for a secured credit card.
  • Get credit for paying monthly utility and cell phone bills on time.

    What happens if you don’t have a credit score?

    People with the highest credit scores have proof they’re trustworthy borrowers, so lenders are willing to give them the lowest interest rates on mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and other types of credit. But if you don’t have a credit score, lenders have a hard time determining your risk.

    How long does it take to ruin a credit score?

    Although it takes a while to build a good credit score, you can ruin it in the blink of an eye. All it takes is a bit of overspending and a few missed payments and your credit score can be damaged for several years.

    What should you do if you have no credit?

    What Should You Do if You Have No Credit? Be sure your activity is reported. . Double-check that all your credit card issuers and lenders report to the three… Have someone add you as an authorized user. . One of the quickest ways to generate a credit score, according to Lane, is… Open a secured …

    How does credit inquiries affect your credit score?

    Credit inquiries account for 10% of your credit score, and every time you apply for a credit card, you will get a hard inquiry, and your score will drop slightly. 3  It doesn’t matter whether you forget to pay, can’t afford to pay, or purposely miss your monthly credit card payments; your credit score will be affected either way.