Whether you are a student, someone getting over a bankruptcy or just someone who has yet to build credit then it is important that you build a good credit history. Credit history directly affects your credit score; the length accounts have been open, their payment history, balance used, etc. are used to determine your credit score.

1. Get a Student Credit Card Credit Cards designed for students have a more relaxed credit requirement thus making it easier for students with no credit history to get one. Often times you will be required to provide proof that you are a student attending college. Lately, there has been a surge in the number of Credit Cards designed for students making for some nice incentives; some cards are now even offering 0% APR on purchases for 6 months as well as Rewards offers.

2. Get a Secured Credit Card If you have suffered a bankruptcy or you are simply not a student then your best bet is a Secured Credit Card. A secured credit card requires you to deposit a set amount into a bank account with access given to the secured credit card issuer. Normally, the amount you deposit becomes your credit limit. If you don't make a payment on time, or default on a payment then the issuer will simply take the amount owed from the bank account.

Secured credit cards are reported to credit bureaus like a normal unsecured credit card would be making for a great way to build or rebuild credit.

3. Get a Store Credit Card When it comes to recommending credit cards, a store credit card comes in last. While they are usually easier to get approval for it is important to find out if they report regularly to credit bureaus. Often times store credit cards will have higher interest rates and generally offer lower credit limits.

4. Become an Authorized User on Someone Else's Credit Card Becoming an authorized user on some one's credit card is a great way to build credit. You don't even have to have the card in your possession to reap the benefits of someone else's credit. Simply ask a parent or relative with good credit add you as an authorized user. Be careful though, if the primary card holder makes a late payment or defaults on the credit card you are an authorized user on then it will affect your credit as well, even if you knew nothing about it or had anything to do with it.

5. Pay Bills on Time It is true that many cell phone companies report to credit bureaus, so use this your advantage. What may come as a shocker to you though is that many other bills you pay such as telephone, gas, cable, etc. do not report on time payments but they have been known to report late and delinquent payments to credit bureaus. Make sure you make all payments on time and consider automatic payments through your bank or simply setting a date every month to pay all of your bills.

Building a good credit history takes time and patience. Simply following the above steps and making payments on time will ensure that you build a solid foundation for your credit.