How long is sufficient credit history?
Jackson Reed
Updated on February 17, 2026
You have to have seven years of credit history to have “good credit” at all. Because of the seven-year rule, you can have a spotless payment history, but still get turned down for certain credit cards if your history doesn’t go back at least seven years.
How long does it take to build credit from no credit?
The good news is that it doesn’t take too long to build up your credit history if you’re starting from zero. According to Experian, one of the major credit bureaus, it takes between three and six months of regular credit activity for your file to become thick enough that a credit score can be calculated.
What’s the best way to get a credit card with bad credit?
Consider a Secured Credit Card. Secured credit cards require a cash deposit, which typically doubles as your credit line. If you can come up with the cash for the deposit (often $200 or more), this may be the easiest way to get a credit card despite having bad credit.
How to get a credit card with no credit?
1. Make your monthly payments on time, every time. Your payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score and paying late or missing payments can have a detrimental impact your credit standing. This may sound obvious, but the first step to establishing great credit is to make your payments on time, every time — no exceptions.
What’s the best way to build your credit?
One of the most effective ways to build credit is to have a credit card and make smart choices in how you use the card and pay it off. Paying your credit card bill on time each month, along with maintaining a low balance, will be a huge help in building a solid credit score. Does a Debit Card Help Build Credit?
What happens if you have insufficient credit history?
David Bakke, a contributing writer for the Money Crashers personal finance website, says the “insufficient credit history” designation can put you in a bind: You can’t qualify for a credit card or make a successful loan application, but you need a credit history to secure a credit card or loan.
