If you’ve been diligently paying your rent on time but haven’t seen any positive impact on your credit score, rent reporting services can change that. Traditionally, rent payments don’t affect credit scores because they are not reported to credit bureaus in the same way as credit card or loan payments. However, integrating rent payments into your credit report through the best rent reporting services can be a game-changer, especially for those new to credit or looking to build a solid credit history.
Selecting the right rent reporting service involves considering several factors like costs, data protection, the credit bureaus they report to, and how their service can enhance your credit profile. With services catering to landlords and tenants alike, making your rent payments count toward your credit score is now easier than ever. This approach not only assists in building a substantial credit history but can also potentially boost your credit score significantly, making a positive difference in your financial stature.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top providers that offer rent reporting services.
Self
Self Financial, previously Self Lender, offers rent reporting services as part of its credit-building options. Alongside this feature, it provides a Credit Builder Account, aiding in boosting credit scores by up to 240 points. With personal loans and credit cards ranging from $100 to $3,000, extendable to $10,000 based on a security deposit, Self Financial delivers a range of tools for comprehensive credit enhancement.
Fees: $6.95 monthly (+$49.95 fee for retroactive reporting)
Reports to All Three Major Credit Bureaus: Yes
Offers Retroactive Reporting: Yes, up to 24 months
Requires Landlord Approval: No
Other Features:
☑ Connects directly to your bank account
☑ Access to credit score through the Self app or website
☑ Reports rent, electric, water, gas, cell phone payments
☒ Utility payment reporting only to TransUnion
PayYourRent
Moving on to PayYourRent, this rent reporting service stands out as a leader in electronic rent payments, boasting an impressive track record with over 500k resident accounts and managing over $2B in rent payments. It’s a comprehensive platform designed for both residents and property managers, promising a seamless financial transaction experience.
Fees: $9.95 monthly (+$49 fee for retroactive reporting)
Reports to All Three Major Credit Bureaus: Yes
Offers Retroactive Reporting: Yes, up to 24 months
Requires Landlord Approval: No
Other Features:
☑ Direct integration with your bank account
☑ Access to credit score through the PayYourRent platform
☑ Reports rent payments only
☒ Utility payment reporting not available
Real Page
RealPage stands out as a multifaceted tenant management tool, with its rent reporting service priced at a competitive $4.99/month. This service is ingeniously integrated into a broader system designed for landlords to enhance the online customer experience. Here’s what sets RealPage apart:
- Automatic Reporting to Credit Bureaus:
- Automatically reports your monthly rent payment activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Enrollment is straightforward, either during the leasing process or from your resident portal post-move-in, contingent on community participation.
- Subscription Details:
- Easy sign-up requiring basic information: First Name, Last Name, Email address, and Date of Birth, with the first monthly payment plus tax (if applicable).
- For existing subscribers, managing your subscription, including cancellation and credit card changes, is facilitated through the “Manage Subscription” button or by calling 1-844-930-0471.
- Impact and Benefits:
- A TransUnion study highlighted an average credit score increase of nearly 60 points when rent payments were reported.
- Offers significant benefits for communities, with over 60% of renters preferring apartments that offer rent reporting, encouraging on-time payments.
Rent Reporters
Rent Reporters is a standout service for those looking to leverage their punctual rent payments into a higher credit score. By reporting up to 24 months of your previous rent payments to credit bureaus, Rent Reporters can significantly impact your credit report in a positive way. Here’s what you need to know:
- Getting Started:
- Sign-Up Process: Requires a one-time setup fee of $94.95, with a monthly subscription of $9.95 if paying monthly, or $7.95/month for annual payments.
- Documentation Needed: You’ll need to provide your social security number, date of birth, address, and your landlord’s contact information for identity and rent payment verification.
- Verification and Reporting: Rent Reporters works directly with landlords to verify on-time payments, reporting your rent history to the credit bureaus within 5-7 days of verification.
- Benefits and Features:
- Credit Score Increase: On average, customers see a 40-point increase in their credit score.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Access to a dashboard for monitoring progress as your rent history is validated and reported.
- Refund Policy: Offers a full refund within 7 days if not satisfied after the initial report.
- Considerations:
- Monthly Subscription: Required to keep your credit score updated with ongoing payment history.
- Limitations: Cannot report rent on commercial buildings or to Experian (though plans to begin reporting to Experian soon, with no additional fee for current subscribers).
Rent Reporters provides a transparent and efficient way to convert your rent payments into a tool for building your credit score, complete with a satisfaction guarantee.
Rental Kharma
Rental Kharma emerges as a notable option for renters aiming to enhance their credit scores by incorporating rent payments into their credit history. Based in Littleton, Colorado, this service extends its benefits nationwide, offering a unique combination of features tailored to improve credit reports effectively. Here are the key aspects:
- Pricing and Reporting Details:
- Setup Fee: $75 one-time fee
- Monthly Fee: $8.95, starting 30 days post-enrollment
- Credit Bureaus Reported To: TransUnion and Equifax
- Past Rental History Reporting: Yes, for current rental address
- Additional Offers: Discounts for adding a spouse or roommate
- Service Highlights:
- Money-Back Guarantee: 90-day, 100% refund policy covering both setup and monthly fees
- Customer Satisfaction: High Trustpilot rating of 4.8/5 from over 1,100 reviews
- Average Credit Score Increase: Initial boost of 40 points, with ongoing monthly improvements
- Operational Insights:
- Landlord Verification: Direct coordination with landlords for verifying tenancy and payment history
- Enrollment: Available online or via phone, featuring same-day verification at no additional cost
- Customer Support: Praised for responsiveness, particularly staff members Aly, Rachel, Lupita, and Kortni
Rental Kharma stands out for its comprehensive reporting of both present and past rent payments, alongside a robust return policy, making it a compelling choice for renters looking to build or improve their credit scores through rent reporting services.
Boom Pay
Boom Pay, established in 2020 and based in Austin, Texas, offers a forward-thinking approach to credit building through rent reporting. This service enables users to report not only their current monthly rent payments but also up to 24 months of past rent payments on their existing lease. Here’s a breakdown of what Boom Pay brings to the table:
- Service Features:
- Credit Bureau Reporting: Reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to maximize your credit score impact.
- User Verification Process: Simple three-step enrollment – verify identity, add rent details, and link the bank account used for rent payments.
- Payment Acceptance: Supports a variety of online payment methods including Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, ACH, and property management portals.
- Subscription Costs: A $10 enrollment fee with a $2 monthly fee for ongoing reporting, and an option to report up to 24 months of past rent for a one-time fee of $25.
- User Benefits:
- Credit Score Increase: Users have reported an average score increase of over 28 points within just 2 weeks, with some experiencing boosts of over 105 points.
- Mobile App Ratings: High user satisfaction with an average of 4.2 stars on Google Play and 4.6 on the Apple App Store.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Offers peace of mind with a seven-day, money-back guarantee.
Boom Pay’s approach to rent reporting makes it an affordable and effective tool for building credit, especially for those looking to make their rent payments count towards their credit score.
Conclusion
Throughout this exploration of the top rent reporting services, we’ve uncovered a range of options designed to transform diligent rent payments into valuable tools for building and enhancing credit scores. Services like Self Financial, PayYourRent, RealPage, Rent Reporters, Rental Kharma, and Boom Pay each present unique features and benefits, from reporting past rent payments to significant credit bureaus, to offering additional financial management tools. The pivotal role these services play in enabling individuals to leverage their on-time rent payments for credit improvement highlights a significant stride towards financial inclusivity and empowerment.
The implications of utilizing rent reporting services extend beyond merely enhancing an individual’s credit report; they underscore a broader move towards recognizing the full spectrum of financial responsibilities in credit assessments. For renters, especially those new to credit or looking to rebuild, the opportunity to have their rent payments reflected in their credit scores is invaluable. By choosing the right rent reporting service, individuals can make a positive impact on their financial future, encouraging a proactive approach to credit building and financial management. As we continue to navigate the complexities of personal finance, the significance of these services in fostering a more inclusive credit system cannot be overstated.