Gen Z: Testing the Waters
Ah, Gen Z — new to adulthood, new to credit, and new to a system that’s more expensive than ever.
Most Gen Z adults have small credit lines, if any. They’re still building their scores and learning the ropes. But that also means they’re entering adulthood with more financial awareness than older generations ever had.
They’ve seen the headlines. They’ve watched their parents and older siblings wrestle with debt. And they’re more cautious — or at least curious — about how to make credit work for them, not against them.
Still, even for Gen Z, temptation is real. With social media constantly pushing lifestyle upgrades, it’s easy to spend more than you earn, even on a starter card.
Smart move for Gen Z:
Treat your credit card like a debit card. Pay it off in full every month. Build your credit score intentionally, and remember: credit is a tool, not a trophy.
And hey — if you’re not ready to handle it, that’s okay. You can build credit through other paths too, like secured cards or rent-reporting apps.
