Worried about your credit score?
Don't worry. We've got you covered. We've researched the best credit-building apps and will go over them here.
Each app has different features, but they all share the goal of increasing your credit score. It doesn't matter if you run your credit repair business or need these tools.
Eddy's Pick
StellarFi
4.5
Second Choice
Credit Builder Card
4.0
When picking the best credit-building apps, you bet we did our homework. We weren't just looking for any old app; we wanted the real deal - the ones that genuinely help establish credit. So, how did we go about it? Let's break it down:
- Hands-On Testing: First off, I personally tried out these apps. Yep, downloaded them, used them, and even made some excellent YouTube videos showing how they tick. This wasn't just about seeing if they worked but about feeling how they worked.
- User Experience: We were all over this one. An app can have all the bells and whistles, but what's the point if it's a pain to use? We checked for ease of use, design, and overall vibe.
- Feature Check: We dug deep into what each app offers. Are there credit builder accounts? What about other nifty features? We wanted apps that pack a punch.
- Cost vs. Benefit: Money matters, right? We looked at what you're spending versus what you're getting. No one likes to overpay, especially when you're trying to boost your credit score.
- Effectiveness: This is the biggie. Do these apps actually help in boosting your credit score? We checked, double-checked, and then studied some more.
- Instant Approval: Waiting ages to get approved? No, thank you. We checked out which apps offer instant approval because you don't like waiting around.
- The Word on the Street: We didn't stop at our experiences. We hit up review sites, forums, and communities. Trustpilot? Checked. Reddit? You bet. We wanted to see what everyone else was saying.
So there you have it. We didn't just skim through the surface. We dove in headfirst to ensure we're recommending legit and effective apps. Trust us; we've done the legwork, so you don't have to.
You'll be able to find the right one for your situation and start building better credit today.
So, why am I writing about different credit builder apps? I've been in the credit game for a while now and have tried out a few of these credit repair tools myself, including Credit Repair Cloud.
Side note:
I used to run CRO business and worked as a credit repair specialist helping individuals improve their credit scores.
I understand that not everyone has the time to research and find the best app for them, so I've done it for you.
Plus, I love giving back to the credit community. It's helped me out a lot, and I want to help others in their journey to improve their credit score without hiring a credit repair company.
You can also check out awesome credit repair software to fix your own credit.
Check out my YouTube Video On The Best Credit Building Apps
What Are The Best Credit Building Apps?
Here are my top picks for the best credit builder loans and apps to use this year.
- StellarFi
- Credit Builder Card
- Self Credit
- Kikoff
- Credit Strong
- Grow Credit
- Sable
- MoneyLion
- Extra Debit Card
- Brigit
- Seedfi
1. StellarFi
Stellarfi is one of the best credit-building apps to report your monthly subscriptions while building your credit.
All you need to do is link your Stellarfi bill pay card, and they make your payments on time each month.
Plus, they make it easy to keep track of your bills and payments with their online dashboard while providing you with free credit monitoring services.
Pros
- Will help improve negative credit history
- Create custom credit-building goals
- 1-on-1 credit consulting
- Report to Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
- Identity protection with their premium plan
- Auto-pay withdrawal
- Credit score monitoring
- No hidden fees
Cons
You'll need to keep paying to see future improvements
Pricing:
This credit builder app offers affordable plans that anyone can get started with. Stellarfi's plans range from $4.99 to $19.99, which provide different tiers of features.
Next up is Credit Strong.
This app is similar to Self Credit in that it helps you build your credit through a savings account, but there are some key differences.
For one, this credit-building app offers various options to improve your credit score by allowing you to select up to 3 different pricing plans.
Side note: The bank used for this process is Austin Capital Bank which is FDIC insured.
This is important to note because it means your money is backed by the federal government by up to $250,000.
They also don't do a hard inquiry on your credit report, which means your score won't be impacted when you first sign up.
Credit Strong also offers a higher maximum loan amount of $10,000, which can show up as more responsible when building credit.
Pros
- Add positive payment history and report it to each credit bureau
- Get updates on through your online dashboard
- Build business credit with their business option
- Get approved even with bad credit
- Get fico score updates
Cons
- You are tied to the loan until it is paid off
- Not available in Wisconsin and Vermont due to credit laws
Pricing:
Credit Strong offers three distinct plans for credit building. The "Build Credit Fast" plan adds $1,000 of revolving credit for $99 upfront and $8.25/month, ideal for quick credit repair.
For building payment history, the "Instal." plan starts at $15, with monthly payments between $28 and $48. It also includes a solid credit scoring app for you to monitor monthly.
The "CS Max" plan, designed for handling more extensive credits, ranges from $2,500 to $25,000, with costs starting at $25 upfront and monthly payments from $49 to $449.
3. Self Credit
The first app on our list is Self Credit.
This popular credit builder loan can help you boost your credit score by taking a loan out and putting it into a CD (Certificate of Deposit) for you.
Side note: A certificate of deposit is an account (which you can get for your bank account) that gives you a set interest rate on your money for a set period of time.
You'll then set up your monthly payments, and every single month, Self Inc. will report the payment history to the three major credit bureaus.
What makes it even better is that it can improve your credit score without making you do a credit check or putting a dent in your credit score with a hard inquiry.
When you finish paying off Self's credit builder loan, you'll have a completely different score, which will save you money in the long run.
You'll be able to see your credit reports monthly through your online account.
Think of it as a savings account with benefits.
Pros
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Affordable monthly fee
- No credit check
- All on-time payments will be reported
Cons
- If you miss even one monthly payment, it will hurt your score.
- You can't get your savings until you pay off the loan amount.
- It will help you build credit, but you still need to work on all other aspects of your credit score.
Pricing
The credit builder account has a one-time, non-refundable administrative fee of $9.
You can then select how much you want to borrow, with the minimum being $25 and the maximum being $150 monthly.
After that, you'll make monthly payments until the loan is paid off.
4. Kikoff
Kikoff Credit provides the most affordable credit line to help improve your credit score.
You'll get a $500 line of credit that you can use whenever you need it when using their products.
Kikoff will report your payment history to the major credit bureaus, which will help give you a good credit score.
There is no impact on your credit score when you sign up, and there are no hidden fees.
Kikoff is also one of the only credit-building apps that offers a mobile app, making it more convenient.
Pros:
- Get a $500 line of credit
- No impact on your credit score when you sign up
- Mobile app available
- You can continue paying even after you have paid off your loan.
- Helps with credit utilization
Cons:
- You have to use their products in order to improve your credit score
- Doesn't really have much of an impact since the loan you get taken out is $24.
- Isn't the best to save money since the loan amount is small
Pricing:
Kikoff offers 2 different pricing plans depending on what you need.
The first plan is their monthly credit membership, which costs $ 2/month.
This includes the $500 line of credit and access to their online dashboard.
The second plan is their credit builder loan, which is much better than the monthly service fee.
Although the loan amount is small, this can be a great way to build your credit score.
Overall, Kikoff is one of the best credit-building apps on the market because it has affordable pricing plans and that it helps with your credit utilization ratio.
5. Grow Credit
Grow Credit is a free MasterCard that can help you improve your credit score. You can use this card to pay any of your subscriptions, such as:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Hulu
- HBO
- Wifi & Phone Bills
- And much more
This is an excellent way to build credit by leveraging regular recurring expenses.
This way, you're not spending any extra money. You're just using the MasterCard to pay for things you were already going to.
This will help with credit history and credit mix since it is a different type of credit.
Pros:
- Free virtual MasterCard to use for your regular recurring subscriptions
- Builds your credit history and credit mix significantly
- Increase your credit scores within 60-90 days after enrolling
- Works great as a revolving line of credit
Cons:
- The monthly spending limit is very limited
- Some users have complained that the app logs them out when they use it.
- Only one bank account be added to withdraw
- A security deposit is required for paid plans
Pricing:
Grow Credit offers four pricing plans, with the Build plan being free and allowing users to upgrade to a paid account anytime.
The great thing is that it reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You also get free Fico score updates and free financial education classes.
- Build Free: $17 monthly spending limit (Always Free)
- Build Secure: $17 monthly limit but eligible to upgrade after 6 monthly payments (starts at $1.99/mo)
- Grow & Save: $50-$150 monthly spending limit (Starting at $3.99/mo)
So if you have poor credit but are watching Netflix or any other recurring subscription regularly, Grow Credit is one the best credit-building tools for a brighter financial future.
6. Credit Builder Card
Credit builder card is a great way to increase your FICO scores.
Using this secured credit card, you can deposit $200 just like a regular credit card.
This card reports to all three major credit bureaus every month so that you can build your credit quickly.
The best part is that once you've built up your credit, you can return your deposit and cancel the card. So if you want to improve your FICO scores, Credit builder card is the way to go.
Pros:
- Save money and build credit
- Over 100,000 people have used this to boost their credit scores
- No risky credit cards with high-interest payments
Cons:
- The only cons I could find is that the owner of the website is hidden on WHOIS
Pricing:
To get started, you will need that $200 security deposit.
Your credit limit will equal your deposit, so if you put in $200, your credit limit will be $200.
You can make payments online, and there is no annual fee.
You can apply in minutes and still get approved with a bad credit score.
7. Sable One Credit
Looking for a way to build your credit without the risk of going into debt? Look no further than Sable one credit.
Sable is a secured credit card that allows you to go unsecured after four months of on-time payments.
Unlike typical credit cards, which can leave you drowning in high-interest fees and mounting debt, Sable Credit offers unlimited cash back on all purchases, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to improve their financial standing.
And with the convenient Sable app, managing your account has never been easier. So if you're ready to take your credit to the next level, look no further than sable credit. It's the smart choice for smart spending.
Pros:
- Easily set up autopay for on-time monthly payments
- No annual fees
- Premium card perks
- Credit Report Bureau notifications
- Easy account freezes
- No soft or hard credit pull
- Offers a debit card with cash back rewards
Cons:
- Reviews online say their customer support isn't the best
Pricing:
You will need to put money down and set a credit limit.
The credit limit will equal your deposit, so if you put in $200, your credit limit will be $200.
8. MoneyLion
Whether you're just starting out and need to establish a credit history for the first time or trying to rebuild your credit after some setbacks, Credit Builder Plus from MoneyLion is the solid pick.
This innovative program offers some of the best features, including Moneylion's trademarked credit builder, which allows you to start building credit immediately.
Unlike other programs that make you wait until you've paid off your loan completely before granting access to any funds, with Credit Builder Plus, you get money in hand right at the start.
And with no hard credit check required, there's no risk of damaging your credit score as long as you pay your monthly fees on time.
So if you're ready to take control of your financial future, don't hesitate to use this credit builder tool.
Pros:
- Get credit monitoring and view your credit scores
- Get immediate cash advances
- Monthly reporting of the three major Credit Bureaus.
Cons:
- You need to pay a membership service to use the perks of this credit builder loan
- Some reviews say they don't even think it's associated with a real bank account (Which it is, of course)
Pricing:
The membership to get started is $19.99/month.
You can choose to have the monthly membership withdrawn from your account automatically, or you can pay manually each month.
9. Extra Debit Card
If you're looking to build credit but don't want to take on the risk of using a credit card, Extra is the perfect solution.
With Extra, you can use your debit card to make purchases and payments just like usual. But at the end of every month, Extra will total up your activity and report it to the credit bureaus.
This way, you can gradually build your credit score without worrying about missing a payment or being charged interest. Plus, Extra allows you to earn rewards points as you use the credit builder tool.
So not only will you be improving your financial health, but you'll also be earning rewards that can be used for future purchases.
Simply link your bank account and start using Extra to build your credit today.
Pros:
- Safely connect your bank account
- Funds are automatically withdrawn
- Get the Extra app to view transactions
Cons:
- The bank needs to be plaid-compatible
- Only reports to Equifax and Experian
Pricing:
For a flat monthly subscription rate starting at just $8, the Extra app assists members in improving their credit by using their money and never having to worry about expensive interest rates or their data being sold.
10. Brigit
Brigit is a great credit builder loan if you're looking for a way to build a positive payment history and improve your credit score.
With Brigit, you'll get a loan from 12-24 months, which is put into a savings account, and pay that every month.
Once you complete the loan amount, you will have access to your brand-new savings, and should have increased your credit score. Not only does Brigit help you build a positive payment history, but it also helps you save money in the long run.
So, if you're looking for a way to improve your financial situation, Brigit is the way to go.
Pros:
- You could set a $1 amount every month
- Finance budgeting tools
- Partnership with Coastal Community Bank
Cons:
- A few reviews say that the cash advance is just a marketing tactic to have you sign up
- Others say that the app can crash a lot
Pricing:
Brigit Credit offers two simple plans: free and plus.
The free plan is great for people who want to save money and don't mind waiting a few days for their transfers. The plus plan is $9.99 per month, which gets you instant transfers, find side gigs, and save an average of $500 a year in fees.
The credit builder is also a great option for people who want to improve their credit score.
Brigit credit helps you find side gigs, save money, get out of debt, and improve your credit score. Choose the plan that's right for you, and start saving today!
11. SeedFi
SeedFi is a unique way to increase your credit score and help you save money.
By using Seedfi to take out a loan, you can improve your payment history, one of the biggest factors in your credit score.
In addition, Seedfi can help you avoid late fees and interest charges, making it easier to save money. And because Seedfi reports your payment activity to the major credit bureaus, you can build your credit history and improve your credit score over time.
So, if you're looking for a unique way to boost your credit score and save money, Seedfi is a great option.
Pros:
- No interest or fees
- Completely free to use
Cons:
- Sometimes free isn't always the best
Pricing:
Seedfi's Credit Builder Prime is free to use, but they will try to sell you on their "Borrow & Grow" service, which makes money from interest charges.
Overall, this is a great free service if you're looking to improve your credit score and save money on interest charges.
How Do Credit Building Apps Work?
Credit-building apps are tools designed to assist individuals in establishing credit, especially those starting from scratch or looking to repair their credit scores.
At their core, these apps facilitate fixed monthly payments towards a small loan or a credit account. Here's the clever part: these payments are reported to the major credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
This process is crucial because it creates a record of consistent, responsible financial behavior. As these fixed monthly payments are made on time, they reflect positively on your credit reports, gradually building or improving your credit score.
In essence, by using a credit-building app, you're not just managing your finances but also laying down a solid foundation of trust with credit bureaus, showcasing your reliability as a borrower.
This strategy is particularly beneficial for those at the initial stages of establishing credit, providing a straightforward and manageable approach to entering the world of credit.
FAQ About Credit Building Apps
Are credit-building apps worth it?
If you're looking to build credit but don't want to take on the responsibility of a credit account, consider a credit-building app. But are these apps worth it?
Most credit-building apps work by giving you a line of credit that you can use to make small purchases.
You then make payments on the credit line, which are reported to the credit reporting bureaus. While this can help you build credit, there are a few things to consider before signing up for one of these apps.
First, you'll need to be diligent about making your timely payments.
Second, the credit lines offered by these apps are often relatively small, so it may take a while to see any significant impact on your credit score.
Ultimately, whether or not a credit-building app is worth it depends on your circumstances.
If you're patient and disciplined, an app can be a helpful tool for building credit. But if you're unsure you can keep up with the payments, it might be better to steer clear.
What Builds Credit The Fastest?
There are many ways to increase your current score and begin building credit.
First, it's essential to stay on top of your credit utilization. This means using less than 30% of your available credit at any given time. Second, you should consider using a credit monitoring service to help track your progress.
This can be a great way to stay on top of your credit utilization and ensure that you're making progress. Finally, remember that building credit is a long-term goal.
While you can do a few things to speed up the process, ultimately, it's essential to focus on staying on track and consistent over time. By following these tips, you can build your credit quickly and efficiently.
What Are The Top Free Credit Building Apps?
Credit Karma: this lets you monitor and track your credit score so you can see how much progress you're making towards increasing it. It also offers personalized recommendations based on the information in your credit report.
Credit Sesame: this app gives you insights into your credit report, including your credit utilization and payment history. It also offers recommendations for ways to improve your credit score.
These are just a few of the many credit monitoring apps available. Ultimately, the best app for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
However, these apps can help track your progress and help you stay on top of your credit-building efforts.
What are some other ways to build credit?
You can use rent reporting services to help build your credit. This involves adding your rental payments to your credit report. This can be a great way to build credit if you don't have other forms of credit, such as a credit card or loan.
You can also become an authorized user on someone else's credit account. This means that their account activity will be reported on your credit report.
If they have a good credit history, this can help you build your own credit.
Finally, you can use a secured credit card to help build your credit. This type of credit card requires a deposit, which acts as collateral if you default on your payments.
By making regular, on-time payments, you can build your credit with a secured credit card.
Recommended Credit Repair Course: Credit Hero Challenge
Final Thoughts
Well, now you know some of the best ways to build credit. If you're patient and disciplined, you can use credit-building apps to help improve your credit score.
You can also use other methods, such as rent reporting services or secured credit cards.
Ultimately, the best way to build credit is to focus on staying on track and consistent over time. By following these tips, you can boost your credit score quickly and efficiently.