<prompt> Human: 30 year old male, USA. Zero college debt, zero credit cards, zero debt of any sorts. I am making roughly 40k a year. I currently have 80k in my checking account will ask more on how to invest this at a later time. My goal was to get a mortgage of 200k putting down 60k. Of course this was a no-go due to my zero credit history. What is the best way to start establishing credit? Credit cards? The mortgage agent recommended I open two credit cards and carry them for 6 months at least before re-applying. Advice on if this is a good or bad idea and if so what credit cards should I go with that are the best thanks.  <response>: That is pretty sound advice. You also seem to have some liquid funds that could be used for a secured card, while they arent ideal, they may be what is required. You place 2000 into a savings account, the bank freezes the account, and issues you a card with a 2000 limit. It works like any other credit card, you get a statement you pay the bill. The interest rates on these are very high you avoid by paying the bill in full each month and they typically have an annual fee. My banks is 29, but Ive seen them as high as 99. While I do carry my banks credit card today, I actually used Capital One to rebuild my credit after my bankruptcy. Their Journey card was great for me with 1 cash back, and no annual fee, it literally kick started my financial future. Then they gave me their Quicksilver with 1.5 cash back and also no annual fee. My 740 Credit score thanks Capital One greatly. 