Understanding the Difference Between Tradelines and Primary Accounts
Tradelines and primary accounts play very different roles in building your credit profile. Primary accounts are accounts in your name, like credit cards, loans, or utilities. These are critical for building a strong foundation. Aim to have around 10 solid primary accounts to establish a reliable credit history. Tradelines, on the other hand, are accounts you can purchase to temporarily boost your credit score. These are only effective when your credit profile is already structured properly and you’re preparing for funding. Keep in mind, tradelines typically have a 3-month (90-day) impact window, so timing is everything. Focus on building your credit with primary accounts first, and use tradelines strategically when you’re ready for funding.