Video 
How Do Secured Credit Cards Work?
8 min read
How to Start Building Credit with a Credit Card
8 min read
Last Updated: September 24, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Getting a credit card can help you build credit history and establish a credit score.
- If you have bad credit or no credit history, a secured or student credit card may still work for you.
- Good credit practices, like making on-time payments, may help your credit score.
See if you’re pre-approved
How to Build Credit With a Credit Card
Make on-time payments
Payment history is one of the most important credit scoring factors.
Don’t use too much of your credit
Keep your credit utilization low, another important scoring factor.
Improve your credit mix
Managing different types of credit shows lenders you’re responsible.
Become an authorized user
All activity may go on your credit report and could improve your credit score.
Did you know?
See if you’re Pre-approved before you apply
Next steps
See if you're pre-approved
Learn about Discover It ® Secured Credit Card
See rates, rewards and other info
You may also be interested in
Video 
What Is a Secured Credit Card?
9 min read
What’s the Best Way to Build Credit?
6 min read
Was this article helpful?
Was this article helpful?
You are now on a Capital One webpage. Please be sure to review Capital One’s Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice.