Nursing can be a well-paying profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a registered nurse (RN) is $81,220 per year or $39.05 per hour.
In fact, nursing can be a rewarding career path in more ways than one. Not only can these healthcare professionals provide for themselves financially, they also care for people during times of need.
To better understand what it’s like working as a nurse and what the earning potential is, keep reading.
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What Are Nurses?
An RN provides patients with care and support, and they offer education on health issues and conditions. Responsibilities can vary by workplace and specialty. For example, a geriatric nurse works with elderly patients and provides a different type of care than an oncology nurse, who supports patients with cancer.
Generally speaking, an RN’s tasks often include the following:
• Evaluate the condition of patients.
• Set up care plans for patients.
• Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers.
• Operate and monitor medical equipment.
• Document patients’ medical backgrounds and symptoms.
• Administer medications and treatments.
• Assist in conducting diagnostic tests and analyzing the results.
• Educate patients and their families on managing illnesses or injuries.
• Provide instructions for post-treatment care at home.
Nurses often work on a team made up of other nurses, physicians, and healthcare specialists. Some nurses may even supervise other RNs, nursing assistants, or home health aids. Because of how much collaboration and patient interaction is involved in nursing, this role may not be a great fit for introverts. 💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
How Much Do Starting Nurses Make?
On average, entry-level nurses earn around $80,321 a year or $39 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. But keep in mind that amount represents a middle ground; incomes for nurses fresh out of school can run the gamut from $36,000 to $136,000.
Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?
What Is the Average Salary for a Nurse?
Unlike some other healthcare professionals, nurses may be paid hourly or earn an annual salary. They can also make extra by working overtime, overnight, or on holidays. As mentioned, nurses who are paid by the hour earn a median rate of $39.05 or $81,220 per year.
It’s worth noting that where a nurse chooses to work can significantly affect how much they earn. When it comes to settings that pay the most money, the government comes out on top. Let’s take a look at the median annual wage for nurses across a variety of settings, per the BLS:
• Government: $92,310
• Hospitals: $82,250
• Ambulatory healthcare services: $78,670
• Nursing and residential care facilities: $75,410
• Educational services: $65,450
Nurses also have the option to take travel assignments, which can be an attractive option for professionals seeking flexibility, short-term assignments, and competitive pay. Travel nurses can expect to earn anywhere from $81,000 to $128,00 a year.
To help manage that high level of income, consider digital tools like a money tracker app. In addition to being convenient, it can help take the guesswork out of budgeting and setting financial goals.
What Is the Average Salary by State for a Nurse?
The state a nurse chooses to work in can greatly influence how much they earn, as illustrated by the following table:
State
Average Annual Salary
Alabama
$68,782
Alaska
$78,193
Arizona
$70,717
Arkansas
$71,792
California
$78,490
Colorado
$90,700
Connecticut
$69,698
Delaware
$84,924
Florida
$56,707
Georgia
$64,076
Hawaii
$75,614
Idaho
$75,172
Illinois
$84,135
Indiana
$72,210
Iowa
$69,236
Kansas
$65,099
Kentucky
$76,147
Louisiana
$63,306
Maine
$76,539
Maryland
$82,211
Massachusetts
$78,960
Michigan
$75,056
Minnesota
$72,508
Mississippi
$69,141
Missouri
$80,121
Montana
$69,652
Nebraska
$80,357
Nevada
$73,935
New Hampshire
$74,558
New Jersey
$76,040
New Mexico
$72,231
New York
$83,627
North Carolina
$77,842
North Dakota
$77,045
Ohio
$70,515
Oklahoma
$77,820
Oregon
$77,062
Pennsylvania
$76,604
Rhode Island
$71,379
South Carolina
$79,483
South Dakota
$72,815
Tennessee
$67,322
Texas
$74,746
Utah
$67,313
Vermont
$81,802
Virginia
$83,556
Washington
$91,445
West Virginia
$59,162
Wisconsin
$75,198
Wyoming
$73,262
Source: ZipRecruiter
Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?
Nurse Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
Whether they’re paid by the hour or per year, a nurse can make a good living. And there are ways to supplement that income or create a flexible working schedule that supports a work-life balance. For instance, nurses can choose to work part-time, as many hospitals are short-staffed and need the extra help and expertise. There’s also travel nursing, which allows these healthcare professionals to pick up short-term assignments.
But if a full-time role with benefits is what you’re after, you may have little trouble finding one that fits. The BLS projects that between now and 2032, the number of RN jobs available in the field will grow 6%. And those on-staff positions can come with benefits like health insurance, retirement contribution matches, and tuition reimbursement.
Pros and Cons of Nurse Salary
Like any career path, working as an RN comes with a unique set of pros and cons that are worth keeping top of mind:
Pros
Cons
• High demand for nurses
• Full-time work and benefits available
• Flexible schedule may be an option depending on your employer
• Physically and emotionally demanding job
• Potential exposure to illnesses
• May work nights, weekends, or holidays
• Limited work-from-home options (aside from telehealth roles)
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
While the hours can be long and the work physically demanding, nurses have the potential to earn a lot of money. As they gain years of experience or enter more lucrative industries, these professionals can potentially earn a six-figure salary. Bottom line: If you’re passionate about health care and helping others, you may find that a career in nursing is professionally and financially rewarding.
FAQ
What is the highest-paid RN job?
The type of nursing role an RN takes can affect how much they earn. Those looking to earn high incomes may want to pursue government nursing, which earns a median salary of $92,310. This is much higher than the $81,220 median salary for all RNs.
How much money does a RN make in California?
In the state of California, an RN can expect to earn an average of $78,490 per year, or an hourly rate of $37.74, per ZipRecruiter.
What state pays nurses the lowest?
Of all the 50 states, Florida pays its nurses the least, according to ZipRecruiter. Nurses there earn an average of $56,707 a year, and their average hourly wage is $27.26.
Photo credit: iStock/FG Trade
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Home » Credit » 6 Ways to Help Your Child Build Credit During College
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College students have a lot on their plate already, including the need to study to get good grades, participating in any number of on-campus activities and potentially working part-time to have some spending money.
That said, college students should also focus on their financial future, including steps they can take to build credit before they enter the workforce.
After all, having a credit history and a good credit score can mean being able to rent an apartment, finance a car or take out a loan, whereas having no credit at all can mean sitting on the sidelines until the situation changes.
Fortunately, there are all kinds of ways for young adults to build credit while they’re still in school. Some strategies require a little work on their part, but many are hands-off tasks that you only have to do once.
Teach Them Credit-Building Basics
Make sure your student knows the basic cornerstones of credit building, including the factors that are used to determine credit scores. While factors like new credit, length of credit history and credit mix will play a role in their credit later on, the two most important issues for credit newcomers to focus on include payment history and credit utilization.
Payment history makes up 35% of FICO scores and credit utilization ratio makes up 30% of scores.
Generally speaking, college students and everyone else can score well in these categories by making all bill payments on time and keeping debt levels low. How low?
Most experts recommend keeping credit utilization below 30% at a maximum and below 10% for the best possible results. This means trying to owe less than $300 for every $1,000 in available credit limits at a maximum, but preferably less than $100 for every $1,000 in credit limits.
Add Your Child as an Authorized User
One step you can personally take to help a child build credit is adding them to your credit card account as an authorized user. This means they will get a credit card in their name and access to your spending limit, but you are legally responsible for any charges they make. Obviously, this move works best when you have excellent credit and a strong history of on-time payments and you plan to continue using credit responsibly .
While this step can be risky if you’re worried your college student will use their card to overspend, you don’t actually have to give them their physical authorized user credit card.
In fact, they can get credit for your on-time payments whether they have access to a card or not. If you do decide to give them their credit card, you can do so with the agreement they can only use it for emergency expenses.
Encourage Them to Get a Secured Credit Card
Your child can build credit faster if they apply for a credit card and get approved for one on their own, yet this can be difficult for students who have no credit history. That said, secured credit cards require a refundable cash deposit as collateral are very easy to get approved for.
Some secured credit cards like the Ambition Card by College Ave even offer cash back1 on every purchase and don’t charge interest2. If your child opts to start building credit with a secured credit card, make sure they understand the best ways to build credit quickly — keeping credit utilization low and paying bills early or on time each month.
Opt for a Student Credit Card Instead
While secured credit cards are a good option for students with little to no credit get started on their journey to good credit, there are also credit cards specifically designed for college students. Student credit cards are unsecured cards, meaning they don’t require an upfront cash deposit as collateral, but charge interest on any purchases not paid in full each month.
Many student credit cards offer rewards for spending with no annual fee required as well, although these cards do tend to come with a high APR. The key to getting the most out of a student credit card is having your dependent use it only for purchases they can afford and paying off the balance in its entirety each billing cycle. After all, sky high interest rates don’t really matter when you never carry a balance from one month to the next.
Student Credit Cards…
“One of the safest ways for college student to build their credit by learning valuable money skills.”
Help Your Child Get Credit for Other Bill Payments
While secured cards and student credit cards help young adults build credit with each bill payment they make, other payments they’re making can also help.
In fact, using an app like Experian Boost can help them get credit for utility bills they’re paying, subscriptions they pay for and even rent payments they’re making. This app is also free to use, and you only have to set up most bill payments in the app once to have them reported to the credit bureaus.
There are also rent-specific apps and tools students can use to get credit for rent payments, although they come with fees. Examples include websites like Rental Kharma and RentReporters.
Make Interest-Only Payments On Student Loans
The Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) also notes that students can start building credit with their student loans during school, even if they’re not officially required to make payments until six months after graduation with federal student loans.
Their advice is to make interest-only payments on federal student loans along with payments on any private student loans they have during college in order to start having those payments reported to the credit bureaus as soon as possible.
“Making interest-only payments as a student will not only positively affect your credit history but will also keep the interest from capitalizing and adding to your student loan balance,” the agency writes.
Of course, interest capitalization on loans would only be an issue with private student loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans since the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while you’re in school at least half-time, for six months after you graduate and during periods of deferment.
The Bottom Line
College students don’t have to wait until they’re done with school to start building credit for the future, and it makes sense to start building positive credit habits early on regardless. Tools like a credit card can help students on their way, whether they opt for a secured credit card or a student card. Other steps like using credit-building apps can also help, and with little effort on the student’s part or on yours.
Either way, the best time to start building credit was a few years ago, and the second best time is now. You can give your student a leg up on the future by helping them build credit so it’s there when they need it.
20% APR. Account is subject to a monthly account fee of $2, account fee is waived for the initial six-monthly billing cycles.
College Ave is not a bank. Banking services provided by, and the College Ave Mastercard Charge Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the Mastercard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
About the Author
Jeff Rose, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™, founder of Good Financial Cents, and author of the personal finance book Soldier of Finance. He was a financial planner for 16+ years having founded, Alliance Wealth Management, a SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm, before selling it to focus on his passion – educating the masses on the importance of financial freedom through this blog, his podcast, and YouTube channel.
Jeff holds a Bachelors in Science in Finance and minor in Accounting from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. In addition to his CFP® designation, he also earned the marks of AAMS® – Accredited Asset Management Specialist – and CRPC® – Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.
While a practicing financial advisor, Jeff was named to Investopedia’s distinguished list of Top 100 advisors (as high as #6) multiple times and CNBC’s Digital Advisory Council.
Jeff is an Iraqi combat veteran and served 9 years in the Army National Guard. His work is regularly featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc.com and Entrepreneur.
Do you want to learn how to get paid to work out? If you have a passion for working out and want to turn fitness into a way to get paid, then you are in luck. There are many ways to get paid to work out, and today we will be talking about 19 ways…
Do you want to learn how to get paid to work out?
If you have a passion for working out and want to turn fitness into a way to get paid, then you are in luck. There are many ways to get paid to work out, and today we will be talking about 19 ways to make extra money while exercising.
In today’s post, you’ll learn:
Ways to turn exercise into cash
How to make money running
Apps that pay you to walk
How you can get paid to lift weights
19 Ways To Get Paid To Workout
Below are the best ways to get paid to work out. From popular money-making apps to full-time jobs, there are many people and companies that pay you to work out.
1. Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin is a free app that pays people to walk.
The app rewards daily steps with Sweatcoin currency (coins) that lets you spend the credits on gift cards (such as to Amazon or Starbucks), iPhones, Apple Watches, donate it to charity, and more. Other rewards include a free subscription to meditation apps, a free Scribd trial, wireless headphones, massage memberships, discounts on Barkbox, coffee subscriptions, gym memberships, and more.
This is one of the most popular apps in the world ever, with over 120,000,000 registered members.
2. Stepbet
Stepbet is another popular fitness app that pays you for walking. You can connect your fitness tracker (such as your Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung Health, or Google Fit) to the app and even set weekly step goals to keep you motivated.
The app works like this: You select a game to get your step goals, then bet into the pot to join. If you meet your weekly step goal, you can split the pot and get your bet back plus make a profit.
This app makes it easy to stay motivated to walk because you have a financial stake in it as well. This is a great way to get paid to work out from home.
3. Healthywage
Healthywage is one of the most popular fitness apps that pays you to lose weight. Once you’re on the site, you enter how much weight you want to lose. You also enter how long you’ll have to complete the weight loss goal and how much money you want to bet per month.
For example, if I wanted to lose 30 pounds in under 9 months and bet $60 of my own money, my prize range is between $588-$1,116.
There are weekly weigh-ins and support from other contestants to help you get closer to your weight loss goal. If you complete the weight loss goal, you win the prize.
The purpose of HealthyWage is to motivate you to lose weight and make it more motivating and engaging by using a financial incentive.
4. DietBet
DietBet is a platform with the concept of social networking with weight loss goals. DietBet functions essentially as a dieting game where contestants can bet money on the ability to meet their weight loss goals within a certain time frame. Winners get to keep the cash reward.
To get started with DietBet, you join a game that is basically a body weight loss challenge. You place a monetary bet into a communal pot. Whoever wins the pot (and achieves their weight loss goal) gets the divided winnings at the end of the challenge.
To make sure that everyone is playing fairly, you have to submit verifiable weigh-ins at the beginning and end of each challenge via photos or videos.
5. Fit For Bucks
Fit For Bucks is a workout app that pays people to walk, dance, run, and stay active. To get started, download the Fit For Bucks app and connect your activity tracker or Apple Watch. Then you can get moving and start earning rewards for your daily movement.
Rewards include things like free coffee, money towards fitness studios, free haircuts, and more. The goal of this app is to get people active and motivated to move more.
6. Waybetter
Waybetter makes losing weight fun by challenging you with fitness-related games. This app turns what could be described as boring into something that makes healthy habits sustainable and fun to help you on your weight loss journey.
The app works by making games that create micro goals and gives you accountability and support from other like-minded people. Games on Waybetter include things like walking at least 8,000 steps a day, drinking a certain amount of water, decluttering your home, reading books, flexibility challenges, increasing your plank time, and many more.
7. Charity Miles
Charity Miles is a little different than the other apps mentioned in that it doesn’t reward you personally. Instead, your rewards go to the charity of your choice.
To get started, download the Charity Miles app. The app connects with your phone’s Apple Health app and automatically pulls the steps from there. Any fitness devices linked to your Health app will sync to the app. The app turns all of your miles you walk, run, and bike into money for charity.
You can track all kinds of activities for Charity Miles including walks, runs, bike rides, shopping, golfing, dancing, and anything step-related.
8. Rover
One of my favorite ways to make extra money is walking dogs on Rover. Rover is an app that connects dog walkers with dog owners. I have been a Rover dog walker and absolutely loved it. I have been paid for walking dogs (which gave me exercise for the day) and spending time with really cute pets.
To get started on Rover, make a profile and list what services you offer. If you have previous experience dog walking, this is a major plus and will make you stand out from other dog walkers.
If you don’t have previous experience walking dogs, set your rates lower than other people on the app. This will make your rates competitive and you’ll get chosen quicker. These people will leave you reviews (and hopefully good ones, granted your services are great). The more 5-star reviews you have, the more you’ll stand out.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money
9. Evidation
Evidation is an app that rewards people for doing things like walking, sleeping, biking, and more. To get started, download the app and connect your Apple Health, Fitbit, Garmin, or Oura app. This will sync your daily steps, which will give you points you can redeem in the app.
You can also earn points in the app by participating in surveys that ask questions about your health. For every 10,000 points you earn, Evidation will pay you $10 which you can redeem via PayPal cash and other cash prizes.
10. MapMyFitness
MapMyFitness is an app that tracks workouts including running, cycling, and other physical activities. While you won’t get paid with MapMyFitness, you can enter challenges and win monthly prizes.
Some employers or organizations will use MapMyFitness to stay active by participating in fitness challenges. These challenges backed by employers may even have rewards.
11. Walgreens Balance Rewards
Walgreens Balance Rewards is a program that gives you redemption dollars at Walgreens for doing things like walking and other fitness activities. With the Rewards program, you can link your fitness trackers which will sync your steps in the app.
You can also earn points for doing things like tracking your blood pressure, sleep, and weight.
12. Guided walking tours
If you have a lot of knowledge of your local town or a historical place, you may want to sell guided walking tours.
To get started, find a historical or touristy spot that would work well with a guided walking tour. Create your walking itinerary and highlight key points of interest and historical facts.
Start small and gradually work your way up to offering larger walking tours. This is a great way to combine your love of fitness with your love of a local spot that tourists love to visit.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money as an Airbnb Experience Host
13. Ski instructor
If you love skiing and enjoy teaching others how to do this sport, you may want to try becoming a ski instructor. This way you can combine your love for the sport and teach others how to ski as well.
To become a ski instructor, you likely need to obtain a recognized ski instructor certification. This will make you more marketable and even allow you to teach more advanced lessons.
Ski resorts are pretty much always hiring ski instructors, and you don’t need to be an expert or an Olympic skier to become a ski instructor either. This is something that you can learn to do.
14. Rock climbing guide
If you like to rock climb, then you may be able to become a rock climbing guide. Earning money doing this requires a combination of skills, certifications, marketing, and networking with other people who also work as guides.
To get started, it’s important to obtain certifications offered by the American Mountain Guides Association. This will increase your credibility and give you more job opportunities.
You may even want to connect with local and online climbing groups to market your business and get the word out that you’re a rock climbing guide. Put up flyers in your local rock climbing gym and make it easy to get in touch with you about your services.
15. Fishing guide
Making money as a fishing guide requires a certain set of skills, certifications, and licenses. It’s also important you have extensive knowledge of the best local fishing spots, seasons, and regulations.
Working as a fishing guide takes a lot of physical activity since you’re doing a lot of walking, wading in water, and (obviously) fishing.
Many places are in constant need of fishing guides, such as lodges and guide companies in Florida and Alaska.
So, you can easily network with local businesses such as bait shops, fishing gear retailers, and local hotels. The more people that know about your services as a fishing guide, the better.
16. Fitness trainer
One obvious way to get paid to workout is to work as a fitness trainer. Working as a fitness trainer involves a combination of skills, marketing yourself effectively, and providing top-notch service to your clients.
To get started as a fitness trainer, it’s important to obtain a reputable certification from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM. Once certified, you can teach others how to workout in person at local gyms or offer virtual training.
You could even sell workout plans as a personal trainer, such as on a social media platform. I have seen many fitness influencers do this over the years.
17. Landscaper
Landscaping is a physically demanding job, but if you love it, you can turn it into a way to make extra money. As a landscaper, you can offer all kinds of services such as lawn maintenance, garden design, and tree and shrub care.
You’ll want to make sure that you take photos of your work and gather a portfolio so future clients can see the incredible work you can do. Word of mouth plays a big role in the landscaping business, so it’s important to give the best service to your clients.
18. Yoga instructor
If you love yoga and want to make money teaching others how to practice, then become a yoga instructor. To get started, you need to obtain a teacher certification from a reputable organization. Reach out to local yoga studios and figure out where people are getting certified in town.
Once you get certified, you can even specialize in a certain niche such as prenatal yoga, therapeutic yoga, power yoga, Bikram yoga, and more. You can teach group classes, private classes, workshops, and even online classes.
You may even want to try developing an online presence which will attract new people to your yoga classes.
19. Share workouts on Instagram
You can make money as a fitness Instagrammer once you have a strong following. It’s important to share high-quality and visually appealing photos and helpful captions. Share workout routines, fitness tips, and inspirational content to keep your audience engaged.
Once you have a good number of followers, you can make money with sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and even selling your own workout training programs and guides. You can even promote your online coaching services and work with people 1-1.
Another way similar to this is to do something similar on a YouTube channel that you create!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about getting paid to work out.
How can I make money if I like working out? How can I make money being physically fit?
There are so many ways to turn your love of working out into money. This can be done using apps like Sweatcoin or running a business such as personal training or dog walking.
Can you get paid to run? What app pays you to run?
If you enjoy running, make some extra money or get free stuff by using apps that pay you to walk or run. If you want to make a part-time income, then become a dog walker on Rover and take dogs on walks or runs.
What app pays to walk?
Apps like Sweatcoin, Fit For Bucks, and Rover pay people to walk. Sweatcoin and Fit For Bucks pay in rewards within the app, and Rover pays actual money for walking dogs. Some of these apps are available on iOS or Android devices, as well as on your laptop or computer as well.
Other fitness apps that you may have heard of include FitPotato, Runtopia, Step Younger, and Gym-Pact. I have not researched these, though.
Are there gig economy jobs that I can do while working out?
Yes, some gig economy jobs (such as DoorDash) can be done from a bike, which could be a great workout.
Can you get paid to lift weights?
While you’re lifting weights, apps like SweatCoin will count how many steps you’re walking during your workout. Besides that, you can make even more money by lifting weights by:
Competitive weightlifting and get paid via prizes, sponsorships, and endorsement
Fitness modeling
Social media and content creation (sharing your fitness tips with followers)
Offering fitness workshops
Sell weightlifting programs or training guides
Best Ways To Get Paid To Workout – Summary
I hope you enjoyed today’s article on how to get paid to work out.
If you enjoy exercising and fitness, turn that passion into extra cash by getting paid to workout. This list of ways to make extra money pays you to walk, lift weights, run, and do other physical activities that also benefit your well-being.
As you read above, there are many great apps and jobs that will pay you to work out.
What’s your favorite way to get paid for a workout?
New IHG Premier cardholders will earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases on the card in the first three months from account opening, an increase of 25,000 points compared to the previous sign-up bonus.
New IHG Traveler cardholders will earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on qualifying purchases on the card in the first three months from account opening. That’s a 20,000-point jump from the old welcome offer.
Notably, while the number of points increased for both sign-up bonuses, the spending requirements stayed the same.
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The IHG cards are solid options for travelers who frequent IHG properties. The IHG Premier and IHG Traveler cards offer massive rewards rates on IHG bookings — 26x and 17x, respectively — and the fourth night’s stay free when cardholders use points to book a hotel. However, the IHG Premier has an annual fee, while the IHG Traveler does not.
IHG® One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
IHG® One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Annual fee
Sign-up bonus
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 165,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards rate
Up to 17 points total per $1 spent at IHG (5 from card, 10 from loyalty program, 2 from automatic elite status).
3 points per $1 spent on monthly bills, gas stations and restaurants.
2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Up to 26 points total per $1 spent at IHG (10 from card, 10 from loyalty program, 6 from automatic elite status).
5 points per $1 spent on travel, gas stations and restaurants.
3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Other perks
Fourth night free when redeeming rewards for four or more nights. Earn Gold status when you spend $20,000 or more on your card in a calendar year.
Free anniversary night each year (up to 40,000 point value).
Fourth night free when redeeming rewards for four or more nights.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is a collective of high-end properties that meet high standards for service and style. There are more than 500 boutique hotels in 90 countries that make the grade.
SLH will not become one of the many Hilton Honors brands, but the strategic partnership between the two unlocks the door to significantly more luxury properties than are currently in the Hilton portfolio.
For now, the details of using Hilton elite status benefits and credit card perks at SLH properties are still being ironed out, but Hilton members will soon be able to earn and redeem points at the participating luxury hotels.
What happens to the World of Hyatt partnership?
As Hilton Honors ramps up its partnership, World of Hyatt will end its connection with SLH. This comes on the heels of Hyatt’s new acquisition of travel club platform Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which gives World of Hyatt members plenty of opportunity to earn and redeem points at more than 1,500 luxury properties. Hilton will have an exclusive partnership with SLH.
9 Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties to look forward to booking with Hilton points
To book these new hotel options, Hilton Honors members can use any of Hilton’s traditional reservations channels to book a stay at participating SLH hotels. This includes earning and redeeming points, which multiply when you use a Hilton Honors co-branded credit card.
Hilton Honors is also a transfer partner of AmEx Membership Rewards. No matter which credit card you use, these are some of the exciting SLH options that may participate in the Hilton Honors partnership.
1. The Principal Hotel, Madrid
(Photo courtesy of The Principal Hotel)
Along the famous Gran Via, this hotel is close to popular shopping, theaters, nightlife, dining and tourist attractions like the Prado and Retiro Park.
Be sure to visit the one of the rooftop restaurants and bar for cocktails and tapas before heading out to a night on the town.
2. Inverlochy Castle, Scotland
(Photo courtesy of Inverlochy Castle)
Want to sleep in a castle? Hilton Honors points could be your chance. The 19th century Inverlochy Castle is in the Scottish Highlands where guests can slumber like royalty.
Other activities include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, golf and even a ride on the Hogwarts Express train of Harry Potter fame.
3. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, Croatia
(Photo courtesy of Hotel Excelsior)
Hugging the Adriatic Sea, this year-round hotel provides excellent views of the city’s famous Old Town (which was used for filming King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones”) and the popular island of Lokrum across the bay.
Instead of a traditional sandy beach, guests have a stone-lined deck from which they can take a dip in the water or lay back in the sun. There is a heated indoor pool and spa when the weather is not ideal for sitting by the sea.
4. Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen
(Photo courtesy of Nimb Hotel)
Facing Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, this hotel looks like part of a fairytale. Not only is there a convenient rooftop pool and sun deck available for guests, but anyone that stays here enjoys free access to Tivoli Gardens when it is open.
5. Hemingways Nairobi
(Photo courtesy of Hemingways Nairobi)
Hemingways Nairobi is a solid option for visitors either before or after a safari trip because of its location near Nairobi National Park. It has its own gardens offering tranquility from the city of Nairobi, one of East Africa’s bustling downtowns.
An outdoor swimming pool, massive guest rooms and plenty of green space are all less than 30 minutes from the city-center Wilson Airport, where many safari flights depart.
6. The Anam Mui Ne, Vietnam
(Photo courtesy of The Anam Mui Ne)
Along the East Sea, this resort is similar to a Hawaiian getaway with beautiful sea views and two sparkling swimming pools.
The Vietnamese restaurant serves traditional regional recipes from around the country, and don’t miss the evening sundowner music and dance performances.
7. Viceroy Bali
(Photo courtesy of Viceroy Bali)
This small, family-owned resort five minutes from Ubud is surrounded by rice fields and lush foliage ideal for guests looking for a wellness vacation, especially one focused on meditation and self-improvement.
Its 40 private villas offer oversized infinity pools, and local experiences include everything from a walk through the rice paddies to Balinese dance lessons and temple offerings.
8. Keswick Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia
(Image courtesy of Keswick Hall)
This luxury resort overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Virginia countryside boasts renovated interiors, a new spa and a Jean-Georges’ restaurant.
History buffs will appreciate its proximity to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
9. The Roundtree, Amagansett
(Photo courtesy of The Roundtree)
In the Hamptons on Long Island, this boutique hotel provides respite from the bustle of New York City and puts visitors within reach of the Atlantic Ocean.
A beach buggy takes guests to the shore during the summer, but back at the property, there is a lot to do, too. This includes popcorn and s’mores by the fire pit, afternoon tea and cookies, biking around the area, golf, baking classes and wine tastings.
The accommodations are made up of rooms, suites and private cottages.
The Hilton Honors and SLH exclusive partnership recapped
Hilton Honors members have another option for earning and redeeming points now that there is an exclusive partnership between Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. As long as you make a reservation through a Hilton channel, SLH hotels now offer Hilton Honors members access to more than 500 boutique hotels around the world.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations.
A credit card number is the specific number attached to your credit card. It includes a major industry identifier number, your account identifier, and a checksum.
The number on your credit card is more than a passcode to payments when you swipe your card. Many of the digits have a specific meaning. Find out what a credit card number is, what it means, and why it matters.
What Is a Card Number?
A credit card number is a unique number that helps identify your account and card. This number makes it possible for you to pay with the card and for money to be taken out of the right account.
Think about it similarly to your checking account number. Your personal checks are printed with a specific series of numbers. First is the routing number, which indicates which bank the check draws on. Next is the account number, which tells which account the money should come from.
I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.
Credit card numbers work the same way. Each part of that long number has a specific function. These are standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Need more credit?
Your credit card number is often located on the front of your card above your name, but it may also be located on the back, depending on your card’s style.
What Do Credit Card Numbers Mean?
You can break each credit card number into sections, and each section reveals specific information about the account.
Industry Identifier
The first six to eight digits reveal the credit card network and the card’s industry.
The first digit in any credit card number tells you what type of card it is—Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Card numbers of each type always start with the same number:
3: American Express or cards under the Amex umbrella
4: Visa
5 or 2: Mastercard
6: Discover
American Express goes even further by starting card numbers with either 34 or 37, depending on the secondary branding on the card.
If your credit card number starts with any other digit, it refers to the industry that issues the card:
1 – 2: Air travel and financial services
7: Petroleum
8: Health care and telecommunications
9: Government and other industries
That first digit plus the next five in the credit card number is called the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) or Bank Identification Number. This identifies the credit card company and its network, similar to the bank routing number on a personal check.
In some cases, the IIN may be eight digits. To allow for more IINs to support growing needs, the ISO is requiring the financial industry to move to eight-digit IINs.
Account Identifier
The rest of the digits identify the account and cardholder information. This portion of your credit card number changes if your card is lost or stolen and you need a new card.
Within the account identifier, the last four digits are particularly important to you. If you save a credit card in an online account or other database, the information has to be encrypted. Employees of that company can’t just look up accounts and see full credit card information. They’re usually only able to see the last four digits.
You might be asked to confirm those numbers to ensure the right card is being charged. You might also be asked to confirm them when buying something online with a saved card number to ensure you’re really you and not someone who’s hacked into an account.
You can’t tell a credit card number by the last four digits. However, you could find a credit card you’ve saved in an account, such as on Amazon, by the last four numbers. Those are the only digits you’ll be able to see when you look at the saved payment methods in your account.
Checksum
The final digit is the checksum. Sometimes called the check digit, it is a way to verify the validity of a credit card using the Luhn algorithm.
Here’s how it works:
Starting from the first number of your credit card number, double every other digit.
If doubling results in a two-digit number, add those two digits together.
Add up all the doubled numbers.
The credit card number is valid if the number you reached in step three is divisible by 10.
Vendors use this algorithm to determine whether or not your credit card number is valid when you type it in online.
How to Protect Your Credit Card Number
Credit card fraud impacted nearly half a million consumers in 2022 and is the most common type of identity theft. Sadly, scammers can get your credit card number in many ways:
ATM skimming: People install credit card skimmer devices on public card terminals such as gas stations or outdoor ATMs. These devices store the data on your credit card’s magnetic strip for scammers to download and use.
Data breaches: There were more than 2,800 data breaches in 2023. A data breach occurs when secure data is accessed through unauthorized means, often because of a hacker. The largest data breach occurred in 2013 and involved the unauthorized access of more than three billion records.
Discarded documents: While bills and statements often don’t include your full credit card number, people may be able to gather enough information to determine your credit card number.
Phishing: These scams are fraudulent emails, texts, or phone calls that try to convince you to share your personal information to verify your identity.
Public Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi is convenient but often unsecured. Hackers may be able to access your data through spyware or ransomware.
To protect your credit card information, take the following steps:
Avoid using public Wi-Fi when making online purchases or accessing account information.
Shred documents related to your credit card and always cut up old cards.
Don’t give out your account information.
Use strong passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication for your accounts.
Don’t give out personal information over the phone or online without verifying the validity of the request.
Use a virtual card number, which is a unique number connected to your actual credit card number.
Monitor your credit card statements carefully.
Monitor your credit score regularly with Credit.com’s Credit Report Card.
Credit Card Number FAQ
Below you’ll find additional information about credit card numbers.
How Many Numbers Are in a Credit Card?
Typically, credit card numbers are 16 or 15 digits. Only American Express uses the 15-digit format. Around 2020, Visa started issuing some cards with 19-digit card numbers, which aren’t typical in the United States.
What Other Numbers Are on a Credit Card?
You’ll also find a few other numbers on your credit card:
The expiration date: Every few years, credit card issuers will send you a new card for security reasons. This expiration date may be on the front or back of your card and is formatted with two digits for the year, a slash, and the last two digits of the year. For example, if your card’s expiration date is May of 2030, the expiration date would read 05/30. In this case, the card would stop working on May 31, 2030.
Card verification value (CVV): The security code, called a card verification number, is typically a three- or four-digit code on the back of your card. Vendors ask for it whenever they do not physically see your card, such as when you make a purchase online or over the phone.
Finding the Right Credit Card
Before applying for a new credit card, determine what kind of credit card you should get. For example, if you want to maximize rewards, you may want a cash-back card with perks that match your budget. If you’re looking to build credit, you may need to apply for a secure credit card that’s easy to get with lackluster credit.
To understand what options might be right for you, check your credit. This helps you know what type of credit card you might be approved for. Next, educate yourself about applying for a credit card online. Review options that seem appropriate for you and pick the best one—you can get started in our credit card marketplace. Then, gather all the information you need and apply.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice. See Lexington Law’s editorial disclosure for more information.
A person’s credit score can impact their finances positively and negatively. Entities from commercial banks to auto loan lenders uses credit scores to determine if they’re willing to trust an applicant. FICOⓇ and VantageScoreⓇ, the two most popular scoring models, assign credit scores from 300 to 850—and higher scores typically pave the way for more lucrative deals.
Whether you have no credit history whatsoever or you’re looking to improve your current credit standing, everyone has the power to work on their credit. There is no set timeline for how long it can take to improve your credit, as everyone’s individual circumstances are different. Keep that in mind as we share 15 of the best ways to work to build credit fast in 2024.
Key takeaways
Making timely payments can help you more quickly build credit since payment history makes up 35 percent of your FICO credit score.
Becoming an authorized user on another credit card can help improve your score over time.
Removing errors on your credit report can help your score most accurately reflect your credit history.
Table of contents:
1. Apply for credit builder loans
Any kind of loan you secure can help you build credit if you make payments on time and in full. However, credit builder loans specifically exist to help borrowers improve their credit. If approved, applicants will pay into a secured account that they can only access at the end of their term.
Pro tip: A lender will normally approve low- or no-credit borrowers for a credit builder loan, but anyone can apply regardless of their standing.
2. Build credit with rent payments
Building credit with rent payments can be especially effective for individuals with no credit history. Your timely rent payments won’t raise your score automatically, as landlords don’t typically report rent payments to the credit bureaus. Instead, you’ll need to find a rent reporting service that can add your payments to your credit report.
Pro tip: You can enroll in rent reporting services with any of the three major credit bureaus: EquifaxⓇ, ExperianⓇ and TransUnionⓇ.
3. Maintain your oldest accounts
A person’s credit age, or length of credit history, makes up 15 percent of your FICOscore. This means that closing an old account can lower your score by reducing your overall credit age. If you have an old credit card, even if you don’t regularly use it, it’s usually best to keep that account open.
Pro tip: You can call your credit card issuer and request that the annual fee be waived on an old card.
4. Apply for a retail credit card
Stores and online vendors that offer retail credit cards can help you quickly build credit if you’re a frequent shopper, with one important caveat: you must use the card responsibly. These cards may come with unique bonuses like cashback rewards or discounts. Just be careful not to overspend so you’re able to pay your balance off in full every month.
Pro tip: Retail cards can benefit frequent shoppers who also have the funds to pay off their debts quickly.
5. Challenge errors on your credit report
Credit reports are intended to reflect your spending habits, but no system is perfect. Sometimes, a payment you’ve made doesn’t get reported on time or you notice inaccuracies elsewhere on your report, like an account you never opened. Lexington Law Firm can check your credit report for errors or discrepancies and challenge them on your behalf.
Pro tip: You can request one free credit report annually from each of the three credit bureaus.
6. Apply for a secured credit card
Secured credit cards traditionally have lower interest rates and higher credit limits than unsecured cards. The caveat is that borrowers will have to put down collateral to be eligible, but responsibly using secured cards can significantly improve your credit.
Pro tip: For secured credit cards, collateral comes in the form of the cash deposit you make when you first open the account.
7. Use a credit monitoring service
Credit monitoring services can help borrowers get a better sense of what’s happening on their credit profile. Many services can also dispute errors and take action if they detect fraudulent activity. Lexington Law Firm offers credit monitoring services and other features like ID Theft Insurance and help with challenging errors on credit reports.
Pro tip: Lexington Law Firm also provides free credit assessments to help you understand which services might benefit you the most.
8. Make timely payments
Payment history accounts for roughly 35 percent of your FICO credit score and about 40 percent of your VantageScore. Consistently making payments on time will display your financial reliability and responsibility to lenders and credit bureaus.
Pro tip: Using autopay can reduce instances of forgetting to make payments on time.
9. Increase your credit limit
Your credit utilization ratio weighs your current account balances against your total credit limit. Increasing your credit limit can give you more breathing room when borrowing funds. Borrowing $500 with a $1,000 limit would give you a 50 percent utilization rate. Borrowing $500 with a $2,000 limit would give you a 25 percent utilization rate.
Pro tip: It’s best to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30 percent if you can.
10. Become an authorized user on another account
Becoming an authorized user on another account lets you borrow funds on a credit card that you may not have access to otherwise. Positive action on that account can affect everyone who’s linked to it—and the same goes for negative habits. You can become an authorized user on another account even if you have no or bad credit history, provided you have the primary account holder’s permission.
Pro tip: It’s best to only become an authorized user on an account where the cardholder already has good or better credit.
11. Acquire a student credit card
Student credit cards typically have less stringent requirements than their grown-up alternatives. Responsibly using these cards can help new borrowers prove their creditworthiness.
Pro tip: Student card requirements normally include enrollment at qualifying institutions, proof of income or a cosigner and no bad credit history.
12. Use a rapid rescoring service
It takes varying amounts of time for changes to be added to your credit report. Rapid rescoring for a mortgage can help your credit by quickly updating your credit report with new information. For a fee, a mortgage lender can pay credit reporting companies to expedite the reporting process for someone who’s looking to take out a home loan.
Pro tip: It can generally take roughly 30 to 45 days for a change to appear on your credit report.
13. Meet with a financial advisor
While it’s becoming increasingly easy to access financial information, not everyone has the years of experience needed to add context to that information. Financial advisors can offer tailored strategies to help clients reach specific goals and improve their credit standing.
Pro tip: You can find a financial advisor to meet with online if you don’t want to meet with one in person.
14. Download credit-building apps
Credit-building apps can help borrowers improve their scores in various ways. Some apps can provide custom recommendations based on the data you provide them. Others can offer incentives and in-app rewards to help promote better financial habits.
Pro tip: Many commercial banks offer free apps with credit-building features.
15. Use a credit builder card
Much like a credit builder loan, this option helps low- and no-credit borrowers increase their standing. Credit builder cards function just like normal cards, but they usually come with more stringent limits like higher interest rates and lower overall limits.
Pro tip: Credit builder cards often have more lenient eligibility requirements than other commercial bank cards.
Improve your credit knowledge with Lexington Law Firm
We’ve outlined some of the best ways to build credit fast in this guide, but there’s still plenty of additional information that could help you increase your financial literacy. Learning how to read a credit report and knowing which factors affect your credit score are vital long-term skills. Lexington Law Firm’s team of professionals can help you gain a better understanding of your credit profile. Get your free credit assessment today.
Note: Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.
Reviewed By
Nature Lewis
Associate Attorney
Before joining Lexington Law as an Associate Attorney, Nature Lewis managed a successful practice representing tenants in Maricopa County.
Through her representation of tenants, Nature gained experience in Federal law, Family law, Probate, Consumer protection and Civil law. She received numerous accolades for her dedication to Tenant Protection in Arizona, including, John P. Frank Advocate for Justice Award in 2016, Top 50 Pro Bono Attorney of 2015, New Tenant Attorney of the Year in 2015 and Maricopa County Attorney of the Month in March 2015. Nature continued her dedication to pro bono work while volunteering at Community Legal Services’ Volunteer Lawyer’s Program and assisting victims of Domestic Violence at the local shelter. Nature is passionate about providing free knowledge to the underserved community and continues to hold free seminars about tenant rights and plans to incorporate consumer rights in her free seminars. Nature is a wife and mother of 5 children. She and her husband have been married for 24 years and enjoy traveling internationally, watching movies and promoting their indie published comic books!
Launching a business often involves acquiring funding, which can come from personal savings, angel investors, or loans. However, these options may not always be readily available, leaving businesses reliant on lenders such as banks and government programs.
To assess a business’s creditworthiness and determine its suitability for a line of credit, lenders review the company’s credit profile. This assessment considers factors like payment history, credit usage, credit mix, and other financial indicators that reflect the business’s financial responsibility.
Establishing Business Credit: The Foundation for Growth
Building business credit is crucial for new businesses as it allows them to access financing, secure favorable terms on contracts, and establish a strong financial reputation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to establishing business credit:
Incorporate Your Business: Business credit is separate from personal credit, so incorporating your business as an LLC, C or S corporation, or LLP is essential for building a distinct credit profile.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): An EIN serves as the IRS’s reference for tracking a company’s tax filings and is required for businesses with employees. Sole proprietorships are not mandated to have an EIN, but it’s recommended to protect personal credit from business liabilities.
Explore Supplier Credit: Supplier credit involves extending payment terms for purchases, allowing businesses to access supplies and pay for them later. This option is particularly beneficial for startups with limited cash flow.
Leverage Vendor Credit: Vendor credit provides essential services or products on short-term financing terms, typically with minimal requirements. Net 30 accounts, where payment is due within 30 days, are a common form of vendor credit.
Utilize Service Credit: Consistent and timely payments for services like internet, web hosting, cable, power, and cellphone airtime can also contribute to building business credit. These deferred payment contracts demonstrate a business’s commitment to financial obligations.
Consider Retail Credit Cards: Retail credit cards are often easier to obtain than traditional business credit cards and may offer rewards like cashback, points, and discounts. These cards are typically limited to a single store or a major retailer’s network.
Apply for Business Credit Cards: Business credit cards provide access to revolving credit, allowing businesses to charge company expenses and steadily build their credit profile. These cards can be used for various expenses, including licenses, insurance, taxes, utilities, payroll, supplies, and marketing.
The Path to Success: Building Credit Over Time
Establishing business credit takes time, especially for startups. However, by utilizing financial tools like supplier credit, retail credit, and business credit cards, businesses can cultivate a strong credit profile and pave the way for future growth and success.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice. See Lexington Law’s editorial disclosure for more information.
Regularly making timely payments and keeping your account balances low are a couple of ways to use a credit card to build credit.
Your credit card habits can both positively and negatively affect your overall credit health. Responsibly using your card and making timely payments will steadily improve your credit—while the opposite habits will reduce your standing over time.
Here, we’ll discuss how to use a credit card to build credit and share some credit-building tips. We’ll also explore how Lexington Law Firm can give you a clearer picture of your credit habits.
Key takeaways
Paying down your card balances will quickly build credit.
FICO® determines credit scores based on five categories.
Reviewing your credit report can help you strategize.
Table of contents:
Tips for building credit with a credit card
Once you know the factors that influence your credit score, you’ll better understand how to build credit more effectively. When using a credit card, keep the following tips in mind.
Make timely payments
It can’t be overstated how impactful making timely payments can be when building credit with credit cards. Paying off your card balances in full is ideal but may not always be possible due to other financial obligations. In those instances, making your minimum payment will still be beneficial for your payment history.
Keep low credit utilization
Credit utilization weighs your credit limit against your current account balance. Keeping your utilization below 30 or even 10 percent could steadily improve your credit, but if you can’t keep it that low, just try to get it as low as possible.
Here’s an example of credit utilization at play: if you have a credit limit of $1,000 and a current balance of $300, you’ll be at 30 percent utilization. If you lower your balance to $100, you’ll be at 10 percent utilization.
Be selective with your cards
As your credit score rises, you’ll likely receive dozens of credit card offers each month. Be selective about which cards you apply for—if you’re a frequent shopper at a certain store, responsibly using your credit card can improve your credit and help you get some good rewards.
Check your credit report
Your credit report should accurately reflect your financial activity, but there could be errors that are impacting your credit health—this happens more often than you might think. Lexington Law Firm can help look out for errors and help you address them. Our services also include lost wallet protection in case you misplace one of your credit cards.
How are credit scores determined?
Your activity with a credit card is interconnected with your credit score. The Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) is a trusted credit reporting company that evaluates your credit habits based on five factors: payment history, credit utilization, age of credit, credit mix and new credit.
Responsible credit card usage can improve your credit in several ways:
Paying down your credit card balance positively affects your payment history.
Striving to keep your card balances low reflects good credit utilization.
Responsibly handling a credit card for many years helps your age of credit.
Managing credit cards and installment accounts positively affects your credit mix.
Types of credit cards
Different types of credit cards can help you build credit in various ways. Here are several different kinds of credit cards that are commonly used.
Business credit cards
If a business owner meets certain criteria, such as having an EIN or multiple years of activity, they might be able to secure a business credit card. These cards provide business owners with revolving credit that can be used for short-term purchases.
Business credit cards can affect the cardholder’s credit and their business creditworthiness. A business with great credit can be eligible for fantastic loans and better credit card offers over time.
Joint credit cards
Joint credit cards allow two people to apply at the same time and potentially open an account in both of their names. Activity with joint cards will impact both users for better or worse, so it might be best to discuss and agree on usage terms with your partner before applying.
With a joint credit card, both users will be responsible for repaying the card’s balance and maintaining a low utilization rate. If one user exceeds the joint card’s credit limit, both will see dings in their credit.
Secured credit cards
Secured credit cards require applicants to place a cash deposit when opening their account. These cards often have very flexible requirements, which makes them excellent credit cards for bad credit borrowers.
Most secured credit cards also come with low credit limits and high interest rates—largely to discourage cardholders from misusing their funds. Secured credit cards can serve as excellent starter cards and help individuals repair their credit.
Student credit cards
Standard cards often have requirements that many college students might not meet. Student credit cards can bridge that gap. These cards normally have low or no credit requirements and might even offer rewards for strong academic performance.
Securing and responsibly using a student credit card can help you build credit early in life. When you graduate and are looking to join the workforce or pursue a postgraduate degree, your better credit can grant you access to much-needed funding.
Retail credit cards
Large commercial stores and online retailers may offer these kinds of credit cards. Retail cards can only be used exclusively for store-related purchases. However, rewards like cash back and exclusive discounts might be worth it if you frequently shop at a certain retailer.
Retail credit cards can help you build credit when used responsibly. While it may be tempting to go on a shopping spree with your card, exercising restraint (and staying within your credit limit) will positively affect your credit over time.
Should I pay off my credit card after every purchase?
Payment history and credit utilization greatly impact your credit, so yes, frequently paying off your account balances is possibly the fastest way to build credit over time. Making small purchases with a credit card and swiftly paying off your balance can be an effective strategy.
Ultimately, it’s important to spend within your means and only use your credit card for purchases that you can repay.
Get your credit snapshot with Lexington Law
Credit cards can be very powerful tools for improving your credit—if you know which ones best suit your needs. Lexington Law Firm can provide a credit snapshot that includes your credit score, a credit report summary and credit repair suggestions.
If you’re thinking about applying for new credit cards, getting your snapshot can help you refine your selection.
Note: Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.
Reviewed By
Moriah Beaver
Associate Attorney
Moriah is an attorney practicing in consumer advocacy at Lexington Law.
Before joining Lexington, she represented plaintiffs in personal injury litigation, dealing with claims arising from car accidents, slip and falls, and dog bites. Moriah studied English at Brigham Young University for her undergraduate degree and went on to graduate from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School. She is from Hau’ula, Hawaii, but has been a resident of Utah for over 10 years now.
Investing in a private company means acquiring equity in a company that doesn’t sell shares on public stock markets. Broadly speaking, there are two types of companies: public and private. And while you are likely more familiar with public-company investments — stocks traded on stock exchanges — there are also investment opportunities to be had with private companies.
There can be benefits that come with investing in privately held companies. Depending on your current circumstances, risk tolerance, and financial goals, you will likely approach the types of companies you consider investing in differently. And it’s important to understand that there are significant risks involved, and develop your expectations accordingly.
Understanding Private Companies
A private company is one that has not or does not sell shares of itself on public exchanges. Conversely, a public company has undergone an initial public offering (IPO), which means that it has publicly issued stock in hopes of raising more capital and making more shares available for purchase by the public.
As a general rule of thumb, until a company has an IPO, it’s considered private.
Classification of Private Companies
Again, private companies are those that are not publicly traded.
Unlike the world of public investing, private investing happens off of Wall Street and takes place anywhere new, buzzy ventures are cropping up.
Public companies, especially ones that are bigger, are more easily bought and sold on the stock market, and individuals are able to invest in them. These companies are also regulated by organizations like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The SEC is a government body that makes sure these businesses stay accountable to their investors and shareholders, and it requires publicly traded companies to share how they are doing, based on their revenue and other financial metrics.
In contrast, a privately held company is owned by either a small number of shareholders or employees and does not trade its shares on the stock market. Instead, company shares are owned, traded, or exchanged in private.
The landscape of investing in private companies can sometimes be mystifying, in part because private stock transactions happen behind closed doors. But even though private companies may be less visible than their public counterparts, they still play an important role in the economy and can be a worthwhile investment.
Investing in a private company can also be incredibly risky, and it’s important to understand some of the pros and cons of investing in this landscape.
The Growth Journey: Startups to Unicorns
Generally speaking, the goal of a startup (a small business with aims to grow quickly and possibly go public) is to become a “unicorn.” A “unicorn” company is a private company that’s valued at more than $1 billion. Very few companies become unicorns, and for investors, a primary goal is to find and invest in companies that will become unicorns.
Strategic Pathways to Private Investments
There are several ways to invest in private companies, though not all of them will be available to every investor.
Early Stage Investments and Angel Investing
Early-stage investing, often called “angel investing,” involves making an investment in a very small-stage company in exchange for ownership of that company. This tends to be the riskiest stage to invest, as companies at this stage are small, young, and often unproven.
Joining Private Equity Firms
Investors can also get involved in private company investing through private equity. Private equity firms invest in private companies, like angel investors, in hopes that the equity they acquire will one day be much more valuable. Again, this is likely not an option for the average investor, as private equity is usually an area reserved for high-net-worth individuals. 💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.
Investing in Pre-IPO Companies
Some investors attempt to invest in companies before they go public to take advantage of any post-IPO spikes in share value. There are a few ways to invest in pre-IPO companies.
Leveraging Pre-IPO Investing Platforms
There are certain platforms that allow investors to make investments in pre-IPO companies. An internet search will yield some of them. Those platforms tend to work in one of a few ways, usually by offering investors access to specialized brokers who work with private equity firms, or by directly connecting investors with companies, allowing them to make direct purchases of stock.
You’ll need to dig in and do your own research into these platforms if this is a route you plan to pursue, but also know that there are significant risks with these types of investments.
The Accredited Investor’s Guide
For some private company investments, investors will need to be “accredited.” An accredited investor is an individual or entity that meets certain criteria, and can thus invest in hedge funds, private equity, and more.
Qualifications and Opportunities
For individuals to qualify as accredited investors, the SEC says that they need to have a net worth of more than $1 million (excluding primary residence), and income of more than $200,000 individually, or $300,000 with a spouse or partner for the prior two years.
There are also professional criteria which may be met, which includes being an investment professional in good standing and holding certain licenses. There are a few other potential qualifications, but those are the most broad.
Exclusive Markets for the Accredited Investor
Becoming an accredited investor basically means that you can invest in markets shut off from other investors. This includes private companies, and private equity. Effectively, being “accredited” comes along with the assumption that the investor has enough capital to be able to make riskier investments, and that they’re likely sophisticated enough to be able to know their way around private markets.
The Pros and Cons of Private Company Investments
There are pros and cons to investing in private companies that investors should be aware of.
Advantages of Private Market Engagement
Because private companies are often smaller businesses, they may offer investors an opportunity to get more involved behind the scenes. This might mean that an investor could play a role in operational decisions and have a more integrated relationship with the business than they could if they were investing in a large, public company.
In an ideal scenario, if you invest in a private company, you’ll get in earlier than you would when a company goes public. (Note: This is the ideal scenario.) And getting in early can potentially produce impressive results — if you’ve made a sound investment decision.
Another possible benefit of investing in a private company is that there is generally less competition for equity than with a public company. This means you could end up with a bigger slice of the pie.
Investing in a private company might also mean that you are able to set up an exit provision for your investment — meaning you could set conditions under which your investment will be repaid at an agreed upon rate of return by a certain date.
Generally speaking, investing in a private company can have some strong benefits, including increased potential for financial gain and the opportunity to become more involved in the future of a business.
Risks and Considerations
One of the biggest risks involved in investing in a private company is that you may have less access to information as an investor. Not only is it more challenging to get hold of data in order to understand how the company performance compares to the rest of the industry, private companies are also not held to the same standards as publicly-traded ones.
For example, because of SEC oversight, public companies are held to rigorous transparency and accounting standards. In contrast, private companies generally are not. From an investor’s standpoint, this means that you may sometimes be in the dark about how the business is doing.
In addition to this, many private companies may lack access to the capital they need to grow. And even though there may be an opportunity to set up an exit provision as an investor in a private company, unless you make such a provision, it could be a huge challenge to get out of your investment. 💡 Quick Tip: When you’re actively investing in stocks, it’s important to ask what types of fees you might have to pay. For example, brokers may charge a flat fee for trading stocks, or require some commission for every trade. Taking the time to manage investment costs can be beneficial over the long term.
Critical Steps for Investing in Private Companies
Just like investing in the public stock exchanges, there are some steps that investors may want to follow as a sort of best-practices approach to investing in private companies.
Conducting Thorough Research
Always do your homework — or, as much research as you can before investing in a private company. As noted, this may be difficult, as there’s going to be less available information about private companies versus public ones. You also won’t be able to research charts and look at stock performance to get a sense of what a company’s future holds.
Identifying and Assessing Potential Deals
Through the research you are able to do (perhaps as a part of a private equity or hedge fund), you’ll want to do your best to zero-in on some potential investment opportunities. Like investing in stocks, you’ll be looking for companies that appear healthy, are competitive, and that you think have a good chance of surviving the years ahead.
There’s no magic formula, of course, but investors should do as much due diligence as possible.
The Transaction: Making Your First Private Investment
Depending on how you choose to invest, making your first private company investment may be as simple as hitting a button — such as on a private crowdfunding website or something similar. Or, if you’re directly investing with the company, it may be more involved. Just know that it’ll probably be a bit different than buying stocks or shares on an exchange.
Post-Investment Vigilance
As with any investment — public, or private — investors will want to keep an eye on their holdings.
Monitoring Your Investment
Monitoring your investment in a private company is not going to be the same as monitoring the stocks in your portfolio. You won’t be able to go on a financial news website and look at the day’s share prices. Instead, you’ll likely need to be in touch with the company directly (or through intermediaries), reading status reports and financial statements, and doing your best to learn how business is operating.
It’ll be a bit opaque, and the process will vary from company to company. So, keep that in mind.
Exit Strategies and Liquidity Events
When an investor “exits” an investment in a private company, it means that they sell their shares or equity and effectively “cash out.” If an investor bought in at an early stage and the company gained a lot of value over the years, the investor can “exit” with a big return. But returns vary, of course.
Liquidity events present themselves as times to exit investments, and for many private investors, the time to exit is when a company ultimately goes public and IPOs. But there may be other times that are more favorable to investors, if they present themselves.
Investment Myths Debunked
As with any type of investment, there may be myths or misunderstandings related to private company investments.
Setting Realistic Expectations
A good rule of thumb for investors is to keep their expectations in check. In all likelihood, you’re not going to stumble upon the next Mark Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos, desperately looking for cash to fund their scrappy startup. Instead, you may be more likely to find a company that has good growth potential but no guarantee of survival. For that reason, it’s important to always keep the risks in mind, as well as what you actually expect from an investment.
Common Misconceptions
Some further misconceptions about private investing include that it’s only for the ultra-rich (not necessarily true, but may often be the case), that every investment may offer high returns (along with high risks), and that profits will come quickly. An investment may take years to ultimately pay off — if it does at all.
Ready to Invest? Questions to Ask Yourself
If you feel comfortable with the idea of investing in private companies and are ready to take the next step, be sure to know your own preferences before making any moves.
Assessing Your Risk Tolerance
Are you okay with taking on a lot of risk? Because you’ll probably need a high risk tolerance to be able to stomach private company investing. So, be sure to take stock of how much risk you can realistically handle, as the importance of knowing your risk tolerance will become abundantly clear as you progress in your investing journey.
Aligning Investments with Personal Goals
Also think about how your investments in private markets relate or mesh with your overall investing goals. That’s to say that you don’t necessarily want to invest in private companies just for the sake of investing in private companies — instead, think about how these investments fit into your larger portfolio.
The Takeaway
Investing in private companies entails buying or acquiring equity in companies that are not publicly traded, meaning you can’t buy shares on the public stock exchanges. This often involves investing in small companies with high growth potential — but not always, and not necessarily. Because this is a risky type of investing, there tends to be high potential rewards, too.
Investing in private companies is not for everyone, and there may be stipulations involved that prevent some investors from doing it. If you’re interested, it may be best to speak with a financial professional before making any moves.
Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).
For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.
FAQ
How much capital is needed to start?
There isn’t a limit to how much capital needed to invest in private companies, but to be an accredited investor, there are income and net worth limits that may apply.
What are the time commitments and expectations?
There are no hard and fast time commitments or expectations of private investors, in a general sense. But that may differ on a case by case basis, especially if an investor takes a broader role with managing a company they’re investing in.
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