Hey everyone — if you’re just landing in Canada as an international student, you’re probably focused on settling in, finding housing, and getting your classes started. But there’s one thing that often gets overlooked early on: building credit.

I’ve seen a few posts from students who were surprised when they got rejected for a simple prepaid phone plan or a rental deposit because of no credit history. It’s not just about getting a credit card — it’s about laying the foundation for future financial independence.

So here’s what I’ve been thinking about: in the first 90 days, what are the smart, low-risk steps to start building credit without falling into traps like high-interest loans or bad credit products?

For example, many banks offer newcomer-specific accounts or credit cards with lower limits and easier approval. But how do you know which ones are actually helpful for credit building? And once you get one, should you use it regularly or just keep it open?

Also, I’ve heard about the importance of autopay and keeping utilization under 30% — but how strict does that need to be? Is it enough to pay the full balance every month, or do you need to aim for even lower usage?

And what about avoiding payday lenders or cash advances? I know they’re risky, but sometimes they seem like the only option when you’re short on cash. How can you stay clear of those while still managing expenses?

If you’ve been through this, what was the first thing you did to start building credit? Did you go for a secured card, a student card, or something else? And what details made the biggest difference — like payment timing, card limits, or bank reputation?

Would love to hear what you’d prioritize in your first 90 days. Let’s share what’s actually worked, not just what the websites say.