In today’s financial climate, a good credit score is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Your credit score not only affects your ability to buy a home, a car, or a house full of furniture. Now it can even affect your ability to get a job or rent an apartment.

Wise use of your credit card can help you build that score.

If you haven’t had much credit in the past, you’ll probably only qualify for a low line of credit. But don’t worry about that, because you’re not going to use the card for any purpose except that of establishing a solid financial reputation.

You’ll use it sparingly, and you’ll pay the entire balance on the day your statement arrives in the mail. Paying it right away means you won’t forget and risk the chance of a late payment fee - and the accompanying ding on your credit report.

If your paycheck isn’t due to arrive for a few days, go ahead and schedule the payment on line to pay on the last day of the statement period, but do remember to deduct it in your checkbook! You won’t build your credit if you start getting overdrafts on your checking account.

If you begin your credit life with a credit card limit of $500 - keep your purchases around $50 per statement period - $150 at the absolute maximum. This is to keep your debt to available credit at 10-30%.

Because your cut off date may not coincide with calendar months, don’t charge again until you’ve paid last month’s balance.

Before you choose a card and make application, research all that are available. Look for one that offers cash back and doesn’t charge an annual fee. But do make sure the ones you apply for are available for consumers who haven’t yet established a good credit rating. You don’t want to be turned down.

The turn down won’t show on your credit report, but the numerous inquiries will, so don’t apply until you find the right one.

That cash back on your new card won’t amount to much when you aren’t going to use the card much, but as long as you pay your balance each month and aren’t paying interest, it really is “free money.”

If your scores are too low to qualify for a traditional card, get a secured credit card. This is in effect using your own money, but as long as you follow the guidelines set forth here, your credit will slowly build - enabling you to qualify for better and better cards as time passes.

Use your new credit card as a tool and soon you’ll see your credit scores climbing.

Marte Cliff is a Freelance Copywriter and former Realtor. After helping hundreds of customers obtain home loans over the years, she fully understands the importance of protecting and building credit.

The recent surge in identity theft led her to research the subject and learn ways that consumers can protect themselves. Her new website: http://www.allcreditscoresnow.com offers articles and advice, as well as access to a free credit report with FICO scores.