How to Report Your Rent to Build Your Credit

3 Min. Read

If you’re trying to build your credit, you’re probably already focused on things like paying your credit card bills on time, keeping your balances low, and avoiding unnecessary hard inquiries. But did you know your monthly rent payments could also help boost your credit score?

Unlike loans or credit cards, rent payments don’t automatically show up on your credit report. To get credit for them, you’ll need to go through a rent-reporting service that shares your payment history with the major credit bureaus. The good news? It’s a simple process with just a few (easy) hoops to jump through—and in some cases, your landlord might even cover the cost!

Here’s what you need to know about how rent reporting works and what to look for in a service.

How Do Rent Reporting Services Work?

Each service operates a little differently, but in general, rent reporting services independently report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

It’s important to understand which bureau your rent reporting service is reporting to and which credit score will be affected: FICO score or VantageScore (or a different option). These two major credit scoring companies report scores differently. The most common is FICO score, which traditionally doesn’t use rental payments for calculating scores. However, newer versions of FICO, like FICO 9 or FICO 10, may consider rental information. VantageScore, on the other hand, has always considered rent payment information as part of its credit scoring model.

Understanding how a service reports your payment history is crucial for keeping tabs on your credit score.

What Services Can You Use?

Before selecting a rent reporting service, double-check with your property manager or utility company to see if they already work with a credit reporting service. If they don’t, there are services you can use on your own. Note, however, that your landlord may need to verify your rent payments.

Some rent reporting services charge a monthly fee and others have a one-time enrollment fee. Some services limit reporting to a 12- or 24-month period, which is another important factor to consider depending on your lease length.

Services You Can Use on Your Own

Rent Reporters – Reports to TransUnion and Equifax

Rental Kharma – Reports to TransUnion

Experian Boost – Reports to Experian

UltraFICO – Reports to Experian and directly to FICO

CreditMyRent – Reports to TransUnion and Equifax

Services You Can Use with Your Landlord

PayYourRent – Reports to all three bureaus

ClearNow – Reports to Experian

Note that in addition to reporting your rent, services like Experian Boost® can also help you report payments on eligible accounts like your utility bills, cable, internet, streaming subscriptions, insurance, and more.

Questions to Consider When Choosing a Rent Reporting Service

Before you sign up for a rent reporting service, take a few minutes to ask these key questions:

How much will this cost me or my landlord?

Some services charge a monthly or annual fee, while others may offer free options if your landlord participates. Make sure you understand the cost upfront and how it fits into your overall budget.

Does it fit into my budget?

Even a small monthly fee can add up to a lot over time. Think about how much of an impact reporting rent could have on your credit score and whether the potential benefit outweighs the cost. If you decide it’s not worth the trade-off, consider other free or low-cost ways to continue building your credit.

How do I protect my personal data?

Since rent reporting involves sharing sensitive financial and personal information, look for a reputable service (like those listed above) that uses strong security measures and clear privacy policies.

Which credit bureaus am I reporting to?

Not all services report to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). For the biggest impact, choose one that reports to as many bureaus as possible.

How do I cancel the service?

Make sure you understand the cancellation policy before signing up so you don’t get stuck paying for something you no longer want or need.

What happens if I have a dispute with my landlord?

Find out how the service handles disputes and whether it offers support if there’s an issue with your reported payments.

Summing It Up: How to Report Your Rent to Credit Bureaus

Reporting your rent can be a smart way to build credit, especially if you’re already making on-time payments each month. While it takes a little research to find the right service, the potential benefits for your credit score are worth considering. Whether you’re just beginning your credit journey or looking to strengthen your credit history, rent reporting could be the extra boost you need to reach your financial goals.