How can someone who earns around $1500 per month build up his/her credit score if he/she can't apply for a credit card?

Hi Anon,

To what I know, I believe there are 2 ways.

The first is to use a secured credit card. This is not the same as typical credit cards, though the types of cards and rewards earned will all be the same. The idea is that instead of being issued a credit card + credit limit based on your salary, you have to put an FD (fixed deposit) with the bank, usually of at least $10k. Your credit limit will be equal to this FD and whatever balance you don't pay every month will be deducted from this. To apply, I believe you need to go down to the branch to do it.

The second is to use a 'student' credit card. Not all of these cards actually require you to be a student. I believe either Maybank eVibes or CIMB AWSM (I don't remember which one) allows adults who earn a small income to be able to apply, aa long as they're under 30 (I think). Of course the credit limit will be low and the rewards aren't great, but it's a way to help build credit score.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
thefrugalstudent