We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you.
Checkmark Expert verified
Bankrate logoHow is this page expert verified?
At Bankrate, we take the accuracy of our content seriously.
“Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board comprises a panel of financial experts whose objective is to ensure that our content is always objective and balanced.
Their reviews hold us accountable for publishing high-quality and trustworthy content.
Written by
Erik J. Martin
Erik J. Martin is a Chicago area-based freelance writer/editor whose articles have been featured in AARP The Magazine, Reader's Digest, The Costco Connection, The Motley Fool and other publications. He often writes on topics related to real estate, business, technology, health care, insurance and entertainment.
Raychelle Heath
Edited by
Brooklyn Lowery
Brooklyn Lowery is a Senior Editor on the Bankrate credit cards education team where she focuses on helping everyday consumers leverage credit cards as powerful tools in their personal finance toolbox.
Reviewed by
Erin Lowry
Erin Lowry is the author of the four-part Broke Millennial series, including: Broke Millennial, Broke Millennial Takes On Investing, Broke Millennial Talks Money and Broke Millennial Workbook: Take Control and Get Your Financial Life Together.
Bankrate logoAt Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money .
Bankrate logoFounded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts, who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.
Our banking reporters and editors focus on the points consumers care about most — the best banks, latest rates, different types of accounts, money-saving tips and more — so you can feel confident as you’re managing your money.
Bankrate logoBankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.
Bankrate logoYou have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Rent payments represent the largest monthly expense for many individuals, yet they typically do not factor into your payment history or other crucial aspects of your credit report. Consequently, your punctual monthly rent payments may not be positively impacting your credit score.
Unlike mortgage, auto loan, and credit card payments, which lenders and creditors regularly report to credit bureaus, rent payments are generally not included in these reports. However, consistently paying your rent on time each month could potentially elevate your credit score if your rent payments are reported. But how do you make sure that happens?
We’ve researched the different ways to report your rent payments to the credit bureaus. Read on for a roundup of service providers and learn how rent reporting works, which bureaus include rent payment info in your credit report, and how rent payments can help build credit.
You cannot directly report your rent payments to credit bureaus independently. Instead, you can utilize one of the numerous reporting services available, which transmit details regarding your monthly payments to credit bureaus. Prior to enrolling in a reporting service, it’s essential to understand the associated costs and which credit bureaus the service reports to.
“Keep in mind that not all rent-reporting services provide data to all three credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Some only provide data to one or two,” says Daniel Cohen, founding partner of Consumer Attorneys in New York City. “It might benefit you to consider using a service that reports to all three. This matters because, on the flipside, when you are looking to leverage your well-earned positive credit history, some lenders only rely on data from one credit bureau. Ultimately, you should pick the rental reporting service that offers the best combination of benefits and advantages, including cost and convenience, to meet your main objective: growing your credit history and increasing your credit score to gain access to more financial opportunities.”
This list of popular rent-reporting services can help you get started on your research. Some charge a fee, while others that are completely gratis. Keep in mind that you may also need to talk with your landlord about opting in as well.
Tenants can choose to enroll in Azibo’s Credit Boost program for a monthly fee of $4.99 at the time of publishing, which reports timely rent payments to TransUnion and Equifax. Azibo requires landlords to enroll initially, enabling both landlords and tenants to access the service for ACH bank transfers without charge. However, tenants opting for debit or credit card payments incur a 2.99 percent convenience fee. That fee means paying $29.90 for a $1,000 rent payment, which likely means you’re unlikely to come out ahead in terms of earning credit card rewards on that payment.
Bilt Rewards permits renters in participating Bilt Alliance properties to earn rewards by reporting rent payments through its app for no charge. Participation is voluntary, typically initiated with an invitation upon moving in. Renters not in these properties can still earn rewards via the Bilt Mastercard, accumulating points for future rent payments, shopping and more, or transferring points to airlines and hotels. Benefits vary based on reward tiers, ranging from blue to platinum.
“I like the Bilt Mastercard, which allows cardholders to pay any landlord without a transaction fee, earning valuable rewards that they can redeem for travel or cash back,” Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst for Bankrate, explains. “Eligible card users who live in Bilt Alliance properties and opt into credit reporting can have their rent reported to all three major credit bureaus.”
While only tenants in Bilt Alliance properties currently have their rent payments directly reported to the bureaus, Bilt Mastercard users can pay their rent with their credit card and credit card activity is reported.
Keep in mind: Paying your rent with your card could dramatically affect your credit utilization if you have a relatively low limit on your Bilt card. Additionally, in order to earn rewards, you have to use your Bilt card at least five times per statement cycle, which could further impact that utilization ratio.
Boom allows you to have your rental payments reported to all three major credit bureaus. A subscription costs $3 per month; for a one-time fee of $25, you can opt for past reporting of up to 24 months of previous payment history.
Should your landlord opt to utilize the ClearNow online rent payment service, you as a tenant will incur no fees to have your payments reported to Experian. But your landlord will be billed $14.95 per month for the initial tenant and a nominal $2 per month for each additional tenant.
Esusu collaborates directly with your property manager to establish rent reporting for your property. Esusu will consistently report your timely payments to all three major credit bureaus every month. With the Esusu Resident Portal, you’ll have the ability to review your credit history and score, observing rent reporting in progress. Their service will never report late or missed rent payments, and there’s no cost to renters.
Experian Boost offers a solution to enhance your FICO Score by incorporating timely payments made via the platform for utilities, telecommunication services, video streaming and other expenses. Notably, Experian Boost includes certain rent payments. Simply link your bank accounts or credit cards used for bill payments to your Experian account. The platform scans your payment history for qualifying transactions. You’ll confirm the payments you wish to include and then await the positive impact on your credit score. Best of all, this service is free.
“I also like Experian Boost, although it only helps with your Experian credit report. Eligible users who pay their rent online and opt in can have their rent payments incorporated easily,” Rossman says.
If your property management company or landlord works with Experian’s RentBureau, your rent payment data can be reported to Experian for incorporation into your credit report with the bureau. If your landlord doesn’t report through RentBureau, you can also sign up through a rent payment service, such as PayYourRent, ClearNow or RentTrack.
Jetty Credit, part of Fannie Mae’s pilot program, works for renters in participating properties, automatically reporting rental payments to all three credit bureaus. The specific fee for Jetty Credit may fluctuate based on your property or state of residence, and in certain instances, Jetty Credit may be provided to residents at no charge. Pricing details will be provided by Jetty during the sign-up process.
Tenants who make their rental payments via the PayYourRent portal online have the option to report their timely payments to all three primary credit bureaus. As a tenant, you maintain the flexibility to choose whether to participate in rent reporting, with the ability to opt in or out at any time. Depending on the size of the rental group, both residents and landlords can enjoy this service free of charge.
Rent Dynamics’ RentPlus program reports on-time payments by subscribing renters to the three credit bureaus, without reporting any late payments. RentPlus does charge a fee, typically incorporated into your rental expenses as a lease or amenity charge. The specific cost will vary depending on your property management company.
RentRedi acquired PaymentReport recently. Tenants can use RentRedi’s Credit Boost feature to report on-time rental payments to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. The RentRedi app offers three pricing models for rent reporting: $3.99 per month for the duration of the lease; $4.99 for three months; or $5.99 on a month-to-month/pay-as-you-go plan.
Alternatively, tenants can get rent reporting from their landlords if they use RentRedi and offer the Credit Boost feature as part of their lease.
Rental Kharma reports rent payments to TransUnion and Equifax. To qualify, you must rent from a property management company or the owner of the property. Rental Kharma will verify your payment history with your landlord or property manager, and include six months of past rent payments in its reporting.
Rental Kharma mandates an initial setup fee of $75, coupled with a monthly service charge of $8.95. Reports encompass all historical data at the current address. Users have the option to include a roommate or spouse for a one-time fee of $25, along with an additional $5 per month.
RentReporters sends data about your rent payments to two credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion. RentReporters tracks your rent payments by contacting your landlord directly to verify that on-time payment has been made. The sign-up fee is $94.95 which will get you two years of past rent data reporting, then $9.95 per month to maintain the service. Or, choose an annual plan at $7.95 per month.
Rock the Score requires an enrollment fee of $48, accompanied by an ongoing monthly service fee of $6.95. Users can also opt to pay an additional $65 to report up to two years of rental history. Rock the Score reports to both TransUnion and Equifax.
Self offers a no-charge rental payment reporting service but imposes a monthly fee of $6.95 to report your other bills, track your credit score, monitor your credit and provide identity theft insurance. Users can request access to up to 24 months of historical data on their current lease for a one-time fee of $49.95.
If received, all three credit bureaus will incorporate rent payment details into your credit report. But be aware that the credit bureaus do not automatically receive your rental payment history. Even with services facilitating the reporting of rent payment data, this information does not inherently result in alterations to the credit score visible to potential lenders during loan or credit card applications.
“The credit bureaus will not report rental payments if the renter isn’t affirmatively signed up for one of these rental payment reporting services. This is because the credit bureaus gather all their data from other data furnishers — like credit card companies, service providers and auto financers,” adds Cohen. “These services act as the data furnisher for rental information.”
Rossman notes that while the most-used FICO Score version (FICO 8) does not incorporate rent payments, many lenders are using the newer FICO 9 or FICO 10 scoring model, both of which incorporate rent payments.
Building and maintaining a strong credit score is crucial. This three-digit number goes a long way toward determining whether you will be approved for loans and lines of credit, what interest rates you will pay and whether you qualify for the best credit cards.
“Rent is the largest monthly expense for many households. Getting credit — literally — for paying on time could help you qualify for a credit card, car loan, mortgage or other future loan,” notes Rossman.
Rent payments can help you build credit, but that’s only if you ensure that your payments are being reported. If they are, they can have a positive effect on your payment history and add another element to your credit profile, increasing your credit mix.
“To date, most rent payments do not appear on consumers’ credit reports. The credit bureaus are set up to receive rent payment histories, but landlords often don’t provide this information,” Rossman cautions.
Ryan Barone, co-founder and CEO of RentRedi, a property management service, points out that reporting a year’s worth of on-time monthly rent payments can improve credit scores by up to 26 points, with 60 percent of renters seeing improvements after only the first month.
But remember, rent payments will only really have a positive effect if you are consistent with your payments. Falling behind on your rent payments can lead to negative reporting and a decrease in your credit score, especially if your debt is sent to a collections agency. Furthermore, falling behind could lead to eviction.
Reporting your rent payments can help you build credit, but if improving your credit score is your priority, there are other methods you can use, including:
If you are unable to get a credit card at this time, look into being added as an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. You can also consider applying for a secured credit card. These cards are generally easier to be approved for since you’ll put down a deposit on your credit card that serves as your credit limit. You can use the card to make small purchases that you can easily pay off, in order to build up your credit history over time.
Rent payments are not typically reported to the major credit bureaus, meaning that renters don’t typically use them to build a positive payment history that’s good for their credit score. However, just because it’s not common doesn’t mean it can’t be done. By going through third-party reporting services, you can have your payments reported to the credit bureaus. Just be sure you understand the costs associated with these services and you make it a point to pay your rent on time, every time.
Arrow Right Contributor, Personal Finance
Erik J. Martin is a Chicago area-based freelance writer/editor whose articles have been featured in AARP The Magazine, Reader's Digest, The Costco Connection, The Motley Fool and other publications. He often writes on topics related to real estate, business, technology, health care, insurance and entertainment.
Arrow Right Personal Finance Contributor
Brooklyn Lowery is a Senior Editor on the Bankrate credit cards education team where she focuses on helping everyday consumers leverage credit cards as powerful tools in their personal finance toolbox.
