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“I’m interested in visiting Europe”: How this student can build a credit score while earning valuable travel rewards
– moneysense.ca
Aya Kinsey, 18Occupation: University studentAnnual income: Not yet known (likely some freelance income)Financial goals: Build a credit score and travel
In September, Aya Kinsey entered her first year of studies at Western University in London, Ont., where she is studying economics. She’s living away from her family in Toronto for the first time, sharing a dorm room with another student.
Before heading to school, Kinsey acquired her first credit card, an Alterna Savings Cash Back Visa. Although she also banks with EQ Bank, her primary bank card was with Alterna Savings and Credit Union. “So it was kind of natural and the easiest way for me to get a credit card,” she explains.
Still new to credit cards, Kinsey doesn’t have a credit score—a number between 300 and 900 that shows lenders how creditworthy you are (the higher the score, the better). She’s looking to build one while also earning rewards—be it cash back (to “make the most of my spending”) or travel points (she’s an Aeroplan member)…
