Building Credit From Scratch: New Options for Texans

For many people, the first experience with credit can feel frustrating. Lenders often want to see a history of borrowing and repayment before approving a credit card or loan. But if you have never used credit before, that history simply does not exist yet.

This situation is common for students, young professionals, people new to the U.S, gig workers, and anyone who has mainly relied on debit cards or cash in the past. Starting from zero is not unusual, but it can make it harder to access financial products early on.

However, newer digital credit options, including the Juzt credit card, are designed to address that gap by offering a more accessible entry point along with tools that support responsible use from the beginning.

Why some people start with little or no credit

Millions of Americans are still outside the traditional credit system. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, about 25 million adults in the United States are considered “unscored,” meaning their credit files do not have enough recent activity to generate a score.

This often comes down to how traditional credit models work. They rely heavily on past borrowing behavior reported to credit bureaus. If someone has never had a credit card or loan, there is not enough data for lenders to evaluate. Factors such as income, rent payments, and day-to-day financial responsibility are not always captured in these models.

As a result, many people who are financially stable still find it difficult to access credit. That disconnect is what newer digital products are trying to solve.

Start with a product designed for beginners

The first step is opening an account that reports to the credit bureaus. Traditional options like secured cards or entry-level credit cards can help, but they’re not always convenient or accessible to everyone.

Digital credit cards offer a different experience. Online applications, quick decisions on approval, and mobile access make the process easier for people who already manage most of their finances digitally.

The Juzt card is one example of a digital-first credit card designed for this stage. It provides a straightforward way for first-time borrowers to access credit, while also giving them the tools to manage it responsibly from day one.

Focus on the habits that matter most

Once you have a credit account, the most important factor is how you use it. The strongest credit scores tend to come from simple, consistent, and responsible behavior.

That usually means:

• Making small purchases that you can easily afford
• Paying on time every month
• Keeping your balance relatively low compared with your credit limit

Payment history carries significant weight in credit scoring. In fact, FICO estimates it accounts for about 35 percent of a typical credit score. That means consistently paying your bill on time is one of the most powerful ways to build credit.

Some digital cards, including the Juzt card, are designed to support these habits by making it easier to track spending and stay on top of payments. Features like real-time transaction alerts and payment reminders help users stay organized and avoid missed payments, while also giving them visibility into detailed spending patterns.

Digital tools can make credit easier to manage

Most credit cards offer digital tools today, but digital-first cards are built around them. Real-time tracking and mobile access are part of the core experience.

This type of visibility can be especially helpful for people who are new to credit and still learning how billing cycles and minimum payments work.

It also reflects how consumers increasingly manage their finances. About two thirds of Gen Z and Millennials say they use mobile banking apps most often, while more than half of Gen X report the same.

Credit products that work well on mobile devices fit naturally into the way many people already handle their money.

Give the process time

Building credit takes time, but progress can happen faster than many people expect.

Regular on-time payments, low balances, and regular usage can make a meaningful difference within a year. Over several years, that history becomes a strong financial foundation that can make it easier to qualify for other financial products.

A practical path forward

Building credit from scratch is about getting started in a way that sets you up for long-term success.

With the right product, along with clear visibility into spending and payments, credit becomes much more manageable. Digital options like the Juzt card are helping make that first step more accessible while encouraging responsible use along the way.

Everyone starts somewhere. Taking that first step carefully can open the door to many future financial opportunities.

Learn more about the Juzt card.