How Long Does It Take To Get a Credit Score? Quick Guide

Were you recently denied a loan or credit card because you didn’t have a credit score? And now you’re determined to establish a credit history so you can get approved? 

The good news is it’s not as difficult as you may think to build credit. But it could take a bit to get a credit score.

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Key Takeaways

• Building credit takes time but it doesn't have to be complicated. FICO scores typically need about six months of credit activity to generate, while VantageScores can appear sooner once an account starts reporting.

• You have three solid options to get started. Become an authorized user on someone else's card, open a secured credit card or take out a credit builder loan that reports payments to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

• Pick one account and stay consistent. Pay on time every month, keep your credit utilization under 30% and avoid opening too many new accounts at once.

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Timeline To Get a Score

Credit scores aren’t created overnight. Here’s how long it typically takes for FICO scores and VantageScores to appear.

How To Build Your Credit History: 3 Quick Tips

You have several options to get started and create a solid foundation that will benefit you for years to come.  

1. Become an Authorized User

Do you have a relative or friend with exceptional credit history? Ask them to add you to their credit card account as an authorized user. If they agree, the payment history will be added to your credit profile.

This helps you build credit fast and could help you get a FICO score. 

Confirm that the credit card issuer reports account activity to the 3 credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Keep in mind that you can request to be removed as an authorized user at any time. 

2. Open a Secured Credit Card

Want a credit card in your name? Apply for a secured credit card to have access to a credit line while building credit history.

• The credit card issuer will require you to make a deposit that’s equal to the credit limit before opening your account. 

• To help your score, try to keep your credit utilization below 30% and pay the balance in full each month.

When evaluating secured credit card products, be sure that they report to the credit bureaus. Otherwise, your account activity won’t be reported, and it won’t help you establish a credit history. 

• If you manage the card responsibly for an extended period: The credit card issuer may convert the card to an unsecured product. You will also receive your deposit back.

• If you fall behind on payments: You risk losing your deposit as the credit card issuer closes the account and applies the deposit to your outstanding balance. 

3. Get a Credit Builder Loan

A credit builder loan is another excellent option to build credit. To qualify for one, you'll generally need an active checking account. You'll also need to show your transaction history to prove your income.

Worried you won’t qualify because you’re out of work? Unemployment income, government benefits, alimony and child support can also be considered. 

Loan payments are automatically deducted from your bank account. So, you never have to worry about missing a due date and incurring penalties.

Each time a payment is processed, the activity is also reported to the credit bureaus, which helps establish an exceptional payment history. 

Improve Your Credit Health Over Time

When you have enough credit history to generate a score, you should continue working to improve your credit health.

Beyond keeping tabs on your credit report and understanding how credit scores are created, here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Make payments on time

• Keep balances down

• Avoid applying for too much new credit

• Keep older accounts open

Consistent habits over time could eventually help you work toward a 750 credit score or higher.

Final Takeaways

• FICO scores usually require about six months of credit history. VantageScores can appear sooner.

• You generally need at least one active account to build credit.

• On-time payments are one of the biggest factors impacting your score.

• As your payment history and account age improve, reaching a very good credit score may become a realistic long-term goal.

Key Terms

• FICO score: A credit score brand that helps lenders gauge how likely you are to repay borrowed money.

• VantageScore: A credit score model that measures your creditworthiness based on information in your credit reports.

• Secured credit card: A credit card that requires a refundable security deposit, which often sets your credit limit.

• Credit builder loan: A loan designed to help you build credit while payments are reported to the credit bureaus.

• Credit utilization ratio: The percent of your available revolving credit that you’re using at a given time.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Sources

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2025. "What is a FICO score?"

• Capital One. 2026. "What is a secured credit card and how does it work?"

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2024. "What are some ways to start or rebuild a good credit history?"