Start here

I do not know anything
about credit

That is completely normal. Here are the most helpful resources from Fidelity to get you started. Read through these first and then come back to step 2.

Fidelity
What is a credit score?

A clear breakdown of what your credit score is, how it is calculated, and why lenders care about it.

Read on Fidelity.com → Fidelity
How to build credit at 18

Step by step guidance on building a credit history when you are starting with nothing, including secured cards and becoming an authorized user.

Read on Fidelity.com → Fidelity
APR vs APY: what is the difference?

What these terms actually mean on your credit card and savings statements, explained in plain language.

Read on Fidelity.com → Fidelity
How to improve your credit

Practical steps to raise your score over time and avoid the most common mistakes that drag it down.

Read on Fidelity.com →

Quick facts

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Above 670 is considered good. Above 740 is great.

Credit history does not transfer across countries. Even if your family had great credit back home, you start at zero in the US.

The single most important thing you can do is pay your bill on time every month. That alone is 35% of your score.

Starting credit at 18 instead of 25 makes a significant difference by the time you need an apartment or a car loan.

Get help

I have questions
about credit

Answer a few quick questions so HerGuide can give you personalized answers that actually fit your life.

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Take action

I am ready to
apply for a card

Talk to a Fidelity advisor to find the right card for your situation, or browse options directly on the Fidelity website.

Fidelity Rewards Visa
Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature
No annual fee · 2% cashback into Fidelity · Great for long-term goals · APR: variable · Fair credit or better
Apply Now →
Discover It Student
Discover It Student
No annual fee · Cashback matched year one · Designed for students · APR: variable · Student status required
Apply Now →
Capital One Quicksilver Student
Capital One Quicksilver Student
No annual fee · 1.5% cashback on everything · Easy approval for beginners · APR: variable · Student status required
Apply Now →
Talk to a Fidelity advisor first
Not sure which card is right for you? A Fidelity advisor can help you decide in 15 minutes.
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Before applying anywhere, make sure you understand the APR and fees. Use step 4 to upload any offer and we will break it down for you.

Live consultation

Connect with your Fidelity advisor

A Fidelity advisor is standing by to help you choose the right card based on your profile. Click connect when you are ready.

Check an offer

Is this credit
card good?

Upload a credit card offer PDF and we will break down every important number in plain language and flag anything that could hurt you.

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Drop your credit offer here

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Reading your offer and checking for red flags...

Here is what we found
APR after intro
Intro APR
Annual fee
Late fee
Penalty APR
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You made it

You are all set up

Congratulations,
you took the first step

Building credit takes time, but you have done the hardest part: starting. Keep paying on time, keep your balance low, and check back in whenever you have questions.

Next milestone
Open a Roth IRA

Once your credit is stable, the next move is investing. A Roth IRA lets your money grow tax-free. Starting at 20 instead of 30 makes a huge difference.

Learn more at Fidelity →
Keep learning
Fidelity learning center

Free articles on credit, debt, budgeting, and investing. Written for people who are just starting out, not people who already know the terms.

Go to learning center →

Still have questions?

Go back to step 2 at any time to ask HerGuide a question. You can also book a call with a Fidelity advisor from step 3 whenever you are ready for the next level of help.