How long does it take to build credit?
Building credit is generally a gradual process that depends on your starting point and ongoing behavior.
Factors that affect timing
- Your current credit profile
- Whether you add consistent positive payment history
- The reporting cadence of the products you use
Important note
No timeline is guaranteed. Results vary.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not financial advice.
Personalized credit plan
Want a plan made for your situation?
Answer a few quick questions about your goals and budget, and we'll build you a personalized credit plan. Free, no sign-up needed.
Get My Credit PlanSources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — What Are Some Ways to Start or Rebuild a Good Credit History?
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — How Do I Get and Keep a Good Credit Score?
- Experian — How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?
- Equifax — How to Build Your Credit Profile
- TransUnion — How To Build Credit
- NerdWallet — How to Build Credit From Scratch at Any Age
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn compensation when you use certain links on this site. This does not change our commitment to independent comparisons. See our full affiliate disclosure for details.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, credit-repair, lending, or financial advice. Results vary and credit-score increases are not guaranteed.