<prompt> Human: I am looking to take on a mortgage within two years or so. I understand that a reasonable credit score allows qualification for better mortgage rates. To check my current standing, I obtained my credit history and credit score, and learned that I have a thin file little to no credit history and no score. My conclusion was that I should apply for a credit card to start building a score. However, the hard pull from the credit card application is supposed to make your score go down and this is supposed to be a concern for up to two years, which is my mortgage shopping window.Seeing as I dont currently have a score, what will happen when I apply for a credit card?Is my strategy of applying for a credit card ASAP for the sake of building credit history within a two year window reasonable? Should I consider something else?  <response>: For the most part, negative effects of the hard pull will be gone after 6 months. I would apply for a credit card ASAP, use it for everyday purchases, and pay off the entire statement balance in full every month. If you cant qualify for an unsecured card due to your lack of history, you might need to get a secured card, build some history, and then apply or a regular unsecured card. Doing that will definitely improve your credit profile in 2 years. 