Improving your credit score used to mean applying for a credit card, paying it off on time, and waiting months to see a difference. Credit building apps have changed that. They offer fast, convenient ways to add positive payment history to your credit report, sometimes in just weeks instead of months.
This guide compares the top credit building apps of 2025. You will see how each one works, what makes them different, and which app might be the best fit for your financial goals.
How Credit Building Apps Work
Credit building apps give you new ways to add positive information to your credit report. Most of them report to all three credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—so your efforts show up where it matters.
Here are the main ways credit building apps help improve your credit score:
- Bill reporting: Some apps report recurring bills like rent, utilities, or subscriptions as on-time payments.
- Credit builder loans: Others set up a small loan where payments build credit history while your money stays in a locked savings account until the loan is paid off.
- Secured credit lines: A few offer credit cards or credit lines backed by your own money, making it easy to keep spending under control.
- Instant boosts: Certain apps let you connect your bank account or utility bills for a quick credit score increase.
Each approach has benefits and drawbacks. Some focus on simplicity and speed, while others help build a longer credit history.
9 Best Credit Building Apps for 2025
Credit building apps work differently, so choosing the right one depends on your credit goals, budget, and how quickly you want results. Below, you will find a mix of banking apps, bill reporting tools, and credit builder loans that stand out in 2025. Each one is reviewed for features, costs, and how effectively it helps improve your credit score.
1. Current
Current combines digital banking with credit building features. You get early direct deposit and budgeting tools, along with credit reporting if you enable specific features.
Key benefits include:
- All-in-one app: Banking and credit building in one platform.
- Early paychecks: Access paychecks up to two days early.
- Spending insights: Helps with budgeting and tracking spending habits.
Best for: People who want digital banking and credit building in one app.
2. Chime Card
The Chime Card combines credit building, fee-free banking, and cash back rewards in one account. You use your own money to build credit with no credit check, no interest, and no annual fees.
Key benefits include:
- Credit building: Payments are reported to all three credit bureaus without requiring a credit check.
- Cash back and savings: Earn 1.5% cash back on rotating categories and up to 3.75% APY on savings when you set up direct deposit.
- Early pay and fee-free banking: Get paid up to two days early with access to 47,000+ ATMs and no overdraft charges.
Best for: People who want credit building, banking, and rewards in one account without the fees or credit checks that come with traditional options.
3. MoneyLion Credit Builder Plus
MoneyLion Credit Builder Plus combines a credit builder loan with membership perks like budgeting tools and small cash advances. Payments are reported to all three credit bureaus for steady credit growth.
Key benefits include:
- Credit builder loan: Builds payment history while creating savings.
- Extra features: Budgeting tools and cash advance options for members.
- Fast reporting: Payments typically reported each month for quick results.
Best for: People who want credit building plus added financial features.
4. Self
Self offers a credit builder loan with the option to add a secured credit card later. It reports payments to all three credit bureaus and is one of the most popular credit building tools available.
Key benefits include:
- Credit builder loan: Payments build credit and savings at the same time.
- Optional secured credit card: Adds another credit account for more positive history.
- Strong reputation: High ratings and wide adoption make it a reliable choice.
Best for: People who want a structured plan for building credit while saving money.
5. Kikoff
Kikoff offers a small $5 monthly credit line that reports to all major credit bureaus. There are no credit checks, so anyone can qualify.
Key benefits include:
- Low cost: Only $5 a month makes it affordable for most users.
- Instant approval: No hard credit check required.
- Credit mix: Adds a new account to your credit report, which can help improve credit mix.
Best for: People who want a low-cost, starter option for building credit history.
6. Firstcard
Firstcard is a secured credit card designed for people with limited credit history or no Social Security number. It reports to all three major credit bureaus and offers extras like autopay, in-app credit monitoring, and even cashback on some plans.
Key benefits include:
- No credit check: Approval without a hard inquiry.
- Secured structure: Deposit sets your spending limit, making it low risk.
- Extra features: Autopay, credit monitoring, and rewards options.
Best for: People who need a secured card with no credit check and added banking perks.
7. Kovo
Kovo helps you build credit with a simple $10 monthly installment plan. Your payments are reported to four credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and Innovis—giving you maximum coverage.
Key benefits include:
- Low monthly cost: Just $10 a month for 24 months.
- Four-bureau reporting: More reporting than most credit builder programs.
- Added perks: Features like ID monitoring and rewards are included.
Best for: People who want affordable credit building with full credit bureau coverage.
8. Grow Credit
Grow Credit turns your streaming subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify into a credit-building tool. It reports your monthly subscription payments to credit bureaus and offers free and paid plan options.
Key benefits include:
- Subscription reporting: Builds credit with payments you already make.
- Free plan available: No-cost option for basic credit building.
- Paid plans: Higher limits and more features for those who want faster results.
Best for: People who want to build credit using payments they already make every month.
9. Experian Boost
Experian Boost lets you link utility and phone bills to your credit report for free. Any eligible on-time payments can give your Experian credit score an immediate increase.
Key benefits include:
- Free tool: No cost to connect your accounts and start boosting your score.
- Fast impact: Results can appear on your Experian credit report instantly.
- Simple setup: Easy to connect accounts through Experian’s secure platform.
Best for: People who want a free and fast way to boost their Experian credit score.
Credit Building App Comparison Table
Choosing the right credit building app depends on what features matter most to you. The table below shows how each option compares on credit reporting, costs, and best use cases.
| App Name | Type of Product | Reports to All 3 Bureaus? | Cost | Credit Check Required | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | Banking + Credit Building | Yes | No monthly fees | No | Early direct deposit, budgeting tools | People who want digital banking and credit building in one app |
| Chime Card | Banking + Credit Building | Yes | No monthly fees | No | 1.5% cash back, early pay, 3.75% APY savings | People who want credit building, banking, and rewards in one app |
| MoneyLion Credit Builder Plus | Credit Builder Loan | Yes | $19.99/month membership | No | Loan builds credit + savings, budgeting tools | People who want credit building plus added financial features |
| Self | Credit Builder Loan + Card | Yes | Loan payments vary | No | Credit builder loan, optional secured card | People who want a structured plan for building credit and savings |
| Kikoff | Credit Line | Yes | $5/month | No | Low-cost line of credit, instant approval | People who want a low-cost, starter option for building credit |
| Firstcard | Secured Credit Card | Yes | Deposit required | No | Autopay, rewards, no SSN needed | People who need a secured card with no credit check |
| Kovo | Credit Builder Loan | Yes + Innovis | $10/month | No | Four-bureau reporting, ID monitoring, rewards | People who want affordable credit building with full coverage |
| Grow Credit | Subscription Bill Reporting | Yes | Free + paid plans | No | Builds credit with streaming services | People who want to build credit using existing payments |
| Experian Boost | Utility Bill Reporting | Experian only | Free | No | Free boost using utility and phone bills | People who want a free and fast way to boost their Experian score |
How to Choose the Right Credit Building App
The best credit building app depends on your budget, goals, and how quickly you want results. Some focus on fast reporting, while others help you build credit over time with added savings or rewards.
Factors to consider include:
- Fees: Look for apps with no annual fees or low monthly costs if you are on a budget.
- Credit bureau coverage: The best apps report to all three credit bureaus so your efforts have the widest impact.
- Features: Decide whether you want just credit building or extras like cash back, savings, or early paychecks.
- Reporting speed: Some apps report within weeks, while others take a few months.
- Account type: Choose between credit builder loans, secured cards, or bill reporting based on what fits your situation best.
People who want long-term credit history often choose credit builder loans, while those looking for faster results often start with bill reporting tools or secured cards.
Tips for Getting the Most From Credit Building Apps
Credit building apps only work if you use them responsibly. Taking a few simple steps can help you see the best results:
- Pay on time: Late payments hurt your credit score, so always pay by the due date.
- Keep balances low: If your app offers a credit line, try to use less than 30% of your limit each month.
- Stick with it: Longer payment history leads to better results, so avoid closing the account too soon.
- Combine methods: Pair your credit building app with other options like secured credit cards or rent reporting services for faster progress.
Alternatives to Credit Building Apps
Credit building apps are not the only way to improve your credit score. If they are not right for you, consider these options:
- Secured credit cards: Secured credit cards let you make a deposit, use the card, and build credit while keeping spending under control.
- Credit builder loans: Credit builder loans from local banks or credit unions often come with low interest rates and report to all three credit bureaus.
- Authorized user strategy: Authorized user strategy means being added as an authorized user on someone’s established credit card to give your credit report a positive boost.
Final Thoughts
Credit building apps give you more ways to improve your credit score without relying on traditional credit cards or loans. Start with fee-free or low-cost options if you are new to credit building.
The best results come from consistent on-time payments, smart budgeting, and choosing the right tool for your needs. Focus on long-term credit health instead of quick fixes so your credit score keeps improving year after year.
