I'm 22 and never had a credit card or loan before. I want to buy a car in the next couple years but I'm worried my credit score will be too low. Should I get a secured card, become an authorized user on someone else's account, or what actually works?
Getting a secured credit card is probably your best bet for actually building credit from scratch. You put down a cash deposit (usually $200 - $500) and that becomes your credit limit, so there's basically no risk for the card issuer. The key thing is to use it for small purchases you'd make anyway - groceries, gas, a coffee - then pay the full balance every month. After a year or so of on-time payments, most issuers will convert it to a regular card and return your deposit. That history of responsible use is what lenders look at later.
Being an authorized user *can* help, but it's less reliable. If someone adds you to their existing account with good payment history, yes, you might get a boost. But you don't actually control the account, so if they mess up payments or rack up debt, it tanks your score too. It's useful as a supplement - like if a parent adds you to their card - but I wouldn't count on it alone. The secured card gives you actual control and builds your own track record.
For a car loan in a couple years, lenders will care more about your payment history than a high score, so focus on being consistent. Set up autopay if you can so you never miss a due date. If you can, also try to keep your credit utilization low - use maybe 10 - 30% of your limit even though you're paying it off monthly. By the time you apply for a car loan, you'll have solid proof you handle money responsibly, which is what actually matters.
The authorized user route works if you know someone with solid credit who'll add you, but honestly a secured card gives you way more control since the credit building is all on you! Just use it for small stuff, pay it off every month, and you'll have decent history built up before you're ready to finance that car.
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