Rent is probably your biggest monthly expense, but most landlords don’t report it to the credit bureaus. That means years of on-time payments often do nothing for your credit score.
Fortunately, rent reporting services can add your payment history to your credit report, giving you a chance to build credit with the bills you’re already paying.
This guide explains how rent reporting works, which credit scoring models actually count it, the best services to use, and whether it’s worth it for your situation.
How Rent Reporting Works
Rent payments don’t get sent to the credit bureaus automatically. That’s why most renters never see their biggest monthly expense reflected in their credit report. Rent reporting services step in to fill this gap.
These companies collect your payment information, confirm it with your landlord or property manager, and then send it to one or more of the three major credit bureaus. Once the information is added to your credit report, newer scoring models can use it to help calculate your credit score.
Because not all services work the same way, it’s important to know what to expect. Some require your landlord to participate, while others let you sign up directly. Many charge a setup fee or a monthly subscription, though a few include past rent history to give your credit profile a longer track record.
How Rent Reporting Impacts Your Credit Score
Adding rent payments to your credit report can help build a stronger payment history, but the impact depends on how lenders calculate credit scores.
When a rent reporting service sends your data to the credit bureaus, it shows up the same way as other trade lines, such as credit cards or installment loans. Consistently reported on-time payments can help establish a positive history and may raise your credit score.
Late or missed payments can have the opposite effect. Some services only report positive payments, while others may include rent that is more than 30 days overdue. If unpaid rent is sent to collections, that account can damage your credit score even further.
The other factor is which scoring model a lender uses. Models like FICO 9 and 10 and VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0 count rent payments when they appear on your credit report. Older models, such as FICO 8, ignore them completely. That means the benefits are most noticeable if your lender relies on a scoring model that includes rent.
Credit Scoring Models That Include Rent Payments
Not every scoring model treats rent the same way. Some newer models count it, while older ones ignore it.
- FICO 9 and FICO 10: These versions factor in rent payments when they’re reported. A few banks and credit unions use them, but most large lenders still rely on older models.
- FICO XD: Built for people with limited credit history, this model includes rent, utilities, and phone bills. It’s mainly used by alternative lenders.
- VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0: Both consider rent, and some personal loan providers and credit card issuers rely on them. They are rarely used for mortgages.
Why Rent Reporting Doesn’t Help With Mortgages
Most mortgage lenders continue to use FICO 8 or older models. These versions ignore rent payments even if they appear on your credit report. That means rent reporting won’t affect your mortgage application unless the lender uses an alternative method to evaluate your history.
Lenders That May Consider Rent Payments
Rent reporting can still help in other areas of borrowing. Some lenders rely on newer models that include rent, which can make a difference in your applications.
- Credit unions and fintech lenders: Many use FICO 9 or VantageScore 4.0, making rent reporting useful for personal loans or credit cards.
- Auto loan providers: Some accept FICO 9, though many still prefer older versions.
- Credit-building lenders: Some alternative lenders that offer products like credit builder loans or entry-level credit cards may use newer scoring models that count rent payments.
Best Rent Reporting Services in 2025
Rent reporting services give tenants a way to add rental history to their credit report, but not all options work the same. Some report to all three credit bureaus, while others only connect with one or two. Fees also vary, and certain services require your landlord or property manager to participate.
Before choosing, compare how each service handles fees, past rent history, and landlord involvement. The right pick depends on your goals, budget, and which credit bureaus you want to reach.
Self Rent Reporting (by Self Financial)
Self Rent Reporting makes it easy to get credit for rent without involving your landlord. The free plan reports to all three credit bureaus, and optional upgrades add utility reporting, credit monitoring, and identity theft protection.
- Credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
- Past rent reporting: Up to 24 months with a one-time fee
- Cost: Free tier available; paid upgrades vary
- Best for: Renters who want full bureau coverage with flexible add-ons
Boom
Boom is one of the most affordable ways to add rent to your credit report. For just a few dollars a month, it reports to all three credit bureaus and lets you include up to two years of past rent history. No landlord participation is required, and setup is quick.
- Credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
- Past rent reporting: Up to 24 months
- Cost: Around $3/month (billed annually)
- Best for: Budget-friendly rent reporting with complete bureau coverage
Rental Kharma
Rental Kharma verifies rent payments directly with your landlord or property manager but doesn’t require them to sign up. It reports to TransUnion and Equifax, and you can add up to two years of past rental history.
- Credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax
- Past rent reporting: Yes, with setup fee
- Cost: $75 setup fee, then $8.95/month
- Best for: Renters who want to boost their file with past rental history
Rent Reporters
RentReporters is known for including past rent payments as part of its setup process. The service reports to TransUnion and Equifax and offers ongoing monthly reporting for a small fee.
- Credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax
- Past rent reporting: Yes, included in setup
- Cost: $94.95 one-time setup fee, then $9.95/month
- Best for: Renters looking to build credit quickly with two years of history
Rent Reporting Services Comparison
Not all rent reporting services work the same way. Some report to all three major credit bureaus, while others only report to one or two. Fees vary, and some include past rent reporting while others only track current payments. Use this table to compare the best options for 2025.
| Service | Bureaus Reported To | Fees | Past Rent Reporting | Landlord Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self Rent Reporting | Experian, Equifax, TransUnion | Free tier; optional paid upgrades | Up to 24 months (with fee) | No |
| Boom | Experian, Equifax, TransUnion | ~$3/month (billed annually) | Up to 24 months | No |
| Rental Kharma | TransUnion, Equifax | $75 one-time + $8.95/month | Up to 24 months | No |
| RentReporters | TransUnion, Equifax | $94.95 one-time + $9.95/month | Up to 24 months | No |
How to Choose a Rent Reporting Service
The best service for you depends on your goals, budget, and which credit bureaus you want to reach. Start by checking if your landlord or property manager already uses one of these platforms. If not, consider the following factors before signing up:
- Reputation and reliability: Look for customer reviews and industry mentions to make sure the company delivers on its promises.
- Credit bureau coverage: Some services only report to one or two credit bureaus, while others cover all three—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Cost and fees: Compare setup charges, monthly fees, and any transaction costs to find the best value.
- Past rent reporting: Services that let you add up to 24 months of history can strengthen your credit profile more quickly.
- Terms and conditions: Review how payments are reported, whether late payments are included, and the refund policy.
Is Rent Reporting Worth It?
Rent reporting can help improve your credit score, but it isn’t always the right fit. It depends on your current credit profile and the scoring models your lenders use.
Who Should Use Rent Reporting
- People with little or no credit history: If you have a thin file, adding rent can establish a consistent payment record.
- Renters preparing for a loan or credit card: If your lender uses FICO 9, FICO 10, or VantageScore 3.0/4.0, reported rent payments could help strengthen your application.
- Those who always pay on time: Consistent reporting of positive rent payments can help build a stronger credit profile.
Who Might Not Benefit
- Borrowers applying for a mortgage: Most mortgage lenders still rely on FICO 8, which does not include rent payments.
- Consumers with established credit history: If you already have several active accounts, the impact may be limited.
- Renters sensitive to fees: If setup or monthly costs outweigh the credit score gain, another credit-building strategy may be more effective.
What About Paying Rent With a Credit Card?
Some services let you pay rent with a credit card, but the processing fees can be steep. Unless your rewards or cash back outweigh those costs, it usually isn’t worth it. If you do choose this option, make sure you can pay off the card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
See also: How to Build Credit Without a Credit Card
Final Thoughts
Rent reporting gives renters a chance to turn an expense they already pay into a tool for building credit. While the impact depends on which scoring model a lender uses, adding consistent on-time payments to your credit report can strengthen your profile over time.
If you’re working to establish or rebuild credit, rent reporting can be a simple step that moves you closer to your goals. Just weigh the costs against the potential benefits, and make sure the service you choose fits your budget and credit-building strategy.
