Prepaid credit cards and debit cards go upscale, and explode in popularity–expect to see more in 2012, including a way to improve your credit score. More in this article from Fox Business.
The new CoreLogic credit report includes more non-traditional credit payment history, including rent, child support, utilities, small loans, etc. This can help build your credit (and also reveal any problems you might have had). Be sure to check your report when it becomes available. More information in this New York Times article.