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Your son can apply for one of the student credit cards. These cards are designed for those with little to no credit, helping students establish a positive credit score. To qualify, he generally needs to be at least 18, have a Social Security number, a U.S. address, and proof of enrollment.

Student credit cards typically feature low or no annual fees and easier approval requirements for 18+ students. However, they come with lower credit limits to prevent overspending. Some cards provide benefits like cashback on student-friendly purchases (dining, streaming), introductory 0% APR offers, and no foreign transaction fees for study abroad. So, using student credit cards with all repayments made on time can make your son more attractive to potential future lenders.

Another good way to build credit from scratch is getting a secured credit card. It's also easier for students with no credit history to get approved than with a traditional credit card. All you have to do is put down a deposit that acts as your credit limit, usually ranging from $50 to $200, but it can vary depending on the card issuer.

The best part about a secured credit card is that it usually takes about six months to start seeing your credit score improve. Plus, you may become eligible to upgrade your secured card to an unsecured card with the same issuer.