If you’re looking to build your credit profile while also gaining access to cash, a personal loan is a great option to consider.

Agreeing to a personal loan means you get all of your money upfront and have a steady, predictable payment schedule to follow. This is a great alternative because now you know exactly how much it will cost over time to pay off your loan and once you’re done, that’s the end.

This is better than a credit card because with a credit card, you don’t get cash up front, and any payments you have to make are almost always met with interest first. It could take years to pay off a credit card, with no definite date set while with a personal loan you’ll know exactly when your last payment will be.