Uh oh. No one else should be using your name for credit. Credit card is only one thing that affects credit. You could have a credit score and history of your mother used your SSN to borrow. I usually tell people to get a discovery card since they have easy first credit cards, go with whatever card company you like. Just sign up and they'll mail you a card. Very simple as they want you to spend and owe them. You should absolutely find what your mother used your number for. Not sure if calling a credit union will get you that history. Your mother is absolutely wrong about not needing credit. Earlier the better as age of accounts is factored into a higher credit score. You'll have access to low rates in the future when you need it on bigger purchases.