Summary: Not all rent reporting services are created equal. We review ten rent reporting options and how to choose the right one for you.
On-time rent payments can boost your credit score, but only if you take action to place them on your credit report. Rent reporting companies can help you do that.
All three credit bureaus will include rental payments in credit reports if they receive that information. They usually won’t get it from your landlord. Credit bureaus charge a fee for reporting information, and landlords don’t want to pay it.
A rent reporting service can record your on-time payments and boost your credit score. Many will report up to two years of previous payments. You will pay a fee for this service, but if you have a thin credit file and you’re trying to establish credit for the first time, it may be worth the cost.
Best Rent Reporting Services
There are many factors to consider when selecting the best rent reporting companies. We’ve reviewed 17 options and selected the best companies based on cost, amount of credit history reported, roommate or spouse inclusion, the credit bureaus they report to, and online reputation.
Here’s a list of companies that do not require your landlord to be enrolled in order to report your rent to the credit bureaus.
- Credit Rent Boost – Best for low total cost
- Rent Reporters – Best for simple fee structure
- LevelCredit – Best value
- Esusu Rent – Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Rock the Score – Good customer service
- Boom – A different way to report your rent
First, take a look at our top four picks. These are the companies that excel at one or a few criteria we used to evaluate rent reporting services on this list.
BEST FOR LOW TOTAL COST
Credit Rent Boost
Credit Rent Boost reports that clients see a credit score increase of 20 to 60 points for past rent reporting, and an average score increase of 30 points to 100 points or more for past plus ongoing reporting. Learn more
Reports To:
Equifax, TransUnion
Signup Cost:
$25 for monthly subscription, free for annual subscription
Subscription Cost:
$5.95/month or $45/year
Rent History Reporting:
$45 for 12 months, $60 for 24 months
BEST FOR SIMPLE FEE STRUCTURE
Rent Reporters
Rent Reporters says that their average customer sees a credit increase of 35 to 50 points within the first billing cycle. Some customer testimonials report increases of 100 points or more. Learn more
Reports To:
Equifax, TransUnion
Subscription Cost:
$9.95/month or $95.40/year
Past 24 Months Cost:
Included in the signup fee
BEST VALUE
LevelCredit
Level Credit allows reporting of rent, utility, and cell service payments all as separate lines of credit. There’s also no signup fee, so you can get started with minimal expense. If you have no rent history to report this is a very attractive option. Learn more
Reports To:
Equifax, TransUnion
Subscription Cost:
$6.95/month
Past 24 Months Cost:
$49.95
BEST CREDIT BUREAU COVERAGE
Esusu Rent
Esusu Rent reports to all three credit bureaus. They say clients increase their credit scores by an average of over 51 points. Esusu includes up to 2 years of past rent reporting in its signup cost, making it a highly economical option as well. It’s currently available only to renters in affiliated buildings, but an independent renter’s program is coming soon. Learn more
Reports To:
Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
Subscription Cost:
$50/year
Credit Rent Boost
Credit Rent Boost has the lowest total cost for one person of any company in the top 5, and has the best customer reviews. They hold a Better Business Bureau score of A- and 4.6 out of 5 stars on handling customer complaints. They shine in customer service and delivering results.
Credit Rent Boost reports an average range of credit score increases for their clients from 20 to 60 points for past rent reporting, and an average score increase of 30 points to 100 points or more for past and ongoing reporting. The first increase is usually seen on clients’ credit reports in less than two weeks. They report that their clients typically see ongoing credit increases with continued reporting.
You can choose to report 12 months of rent history for $45 or 24 months of rent history for $60. There’s a $5.95 monthly fee and a $25 signup fee. If you choose to pay for an annual subscription, the signup fee is waived. In that case, 24 months past reporting plus the first year subscription costs only $105. If you choose to get 12 months past reporting instead, it comes out to just $90 for one year past plus one year going forward.
They also offer easy subscriptions for two or more renters. You can get a $10 discount on two renters and a $30 discount on three renters with an annual subscription. If you’re in a hurry, they offer expedited reporting for a $100 fee.
Reports To: | Equifax, TransUnion |
History Reported: | 12 or 24 months |
Signup Cost: | $25/month, free with annual subscription |
Subscription Cost: | $5.95/month or $45/year |
Past 12 Months Cost: | $45 |
Past 24 Months Cost: | $60 |
Spouse or Roommate: | Yes |
2nd Person Cost: | $10 discount for annual payment or $3.95 discount for monthly subscription |
3rd Person Cost: | $30 discount for annual payment or $7.9 discount for monthly subscription |
TOTAL COST* | $90.95 |
*Cost for signup, first month’s subscription, and 24 months rent history, one person.
Rent Reporters
Founded in 2012, Rent Reporters is the oldest rent reporting service on our list. Unlike some of their early competitors, Rent Reporters has maintained a reputation for excellent customer service and results. They hold a Better Business Bureau score of B, and 3.95 out of 5 stars on handling customer complaints.
Rent Reporters says that their average customer sees a credit increase of 35 to 50 points within the first billing cycle. Some customer testimonials report increases of 100 points or more.
The total cost of Rent Reporters is in the middle of the pack. They are the only reporting company on this list that doesn’t charge an additional fee for reporting 24-months past rent. That’s balanced out by higher costs signup and ongoing fees. Discount on the signup fee. It can’t hurt to ask!
If you don’t have a rental history to report, this is probably not the deal for you, since 24 months of rent history is bundled into the price.
Rent Reporters offers an exceptional $50 discount for reporting for a spouse or roommate. You can also add a second landlord for $50, useful if you have a business and rent space for that. Expedited reporting is free with an annual subscription.
Rent Reporters does not report to Experian. They do offer expedited reporting which can be useful if you are applying for new credit and you need an immediate boost to your score.
Rent Reporters has had some customer service issues leading to a lower score with the Better Business Bureau. It has still outlasted its older competitors and managed to address many of the customer service and billing glitches.
Reports To: Equifax, TransUnion | |
History Reported: 24 months | |
Signup Cost: $94.95 | |
Subscription Cost: $9.95/month or $95.40/year | |
Past 24 Months Cost: Included in Signup Fee | |
Spouse or Roommate: Yes | |
2nd Person Cost: $50 discount | |
TOTAL COST* | $190.35 |
*Cost for signup, first month’s subscription, and 24 months rent history, one person.
🙌 You can break up the signup fee into 3 monthly payments of $31.65 if you use code SMARTPAYNOW at the checkout. And the best part? You’re still covered by the money back guarantee.
LevelCredit
Established in 2019, Level Credit is a relative newcomer to the rent reporting business. They are already accredited with the Better Business Bureau and are rated with a BBB score of A-.
Level Credit allows reporting of rent, utility, and cell service payments all as separate lines of credit. You can get 24 months of history reported for all three. Level Credit is one of the cheapest services on our list. Since you get multiple tradelines on your credit report, we rate it as the best value.
Level Credit is also the only rent reporting company to make the list that doesn’t allow you to add a second person, such as a roommate or spouse. The second person will have to pay the full fees, making it a more expensive option long-term for two or more people sharing rent payments.
If you’re living alone, of course, that won’t matter.
While Level Credit doesn’t provide exact figures of average credit boost, you can expect a similar boost to other rent reporting companies.
Reports To: Equifax, TransUnion | |
History Reported: 24 months | |
Signup Cost: None | |
Subscription Cost: $6.95/month | |
Past 24 Months Cost: $49.95 | |
Spouse or Roommate: No | |
TOTAL COST* | $133.35 |
*Cost for signup, first month’s subscription, and 24 months rent history, one person.
Esusu Rent
Esusu Rent, founded in 2018, is an emerging favorite that reports to all three major credit bureaus. If you need all three credit bureaus to credit your rent payments, Esusu Rent will be your top pick if you are eligible.
Esusu Rent claims an average 51 point credit score increase.
You’ll pay $50/year for ongoing service and make a $50 one-time payment for up to two years of past rental payments. This is an exceptionally low price considering that they report to all three credit bureaus.
Esusu Rent also offers a rent relief program. The Esusu Rent Relief fund provides help to those experiencing financial hardship in the US. It requires only a 2-minute application to see if you qualify.
While they don’t have a roommate or spouse option, their low fee makes them one of the most affordable options on the list.
Esusu Rent currently works only with renters who live in a building that uses Esusu. The Company is introducing an independent program and is currently accepting waitlist applications.
In November 2021 Freddie Mac offered to provide closing cost credits to building owners to urge them to report payments through Esusu.
Reports To: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion | |
History Reported: Up to 24 Months | |
Signup Cost: None | |
Subscription Cost: $50/year | |
Past 24 Months Cost: $50 flat fee for up to 24 months | |
Spouse or Roommate: No | |
TOTAL COST* | $100 |
*Cost for signup, first month’s subscription, and 24 months rent history, one person.
Rock the Score
Founded in 2018, Rock the Score balances low costs with excellent service. Rock the Score reports that users see an average credit score increase of 37 points, but that varies.
Someone with a thin credit file might see an increase of 60-80 points, while someone with a large credit file might see a smaller increase of 10-15 points. Rock the Score claims that some clients have gone from “no credit” to scores over 700.
Even a small credit boost could raise you into a better credit score range and open new lending opportunities.
Rock the Score doesn’t require your landlord to be enrolled in their services. They will need to get payment information from your landlord, but they offer a money-back guarantee if your landlord won’t provide it, cutting your risk.
Rock the Score will add a spouse or roommate at a discounted cost to maximize benefits. The second person can get credit for the same on-time payments for their credit score, doubling the value of the service.
Rock the Score has low ongoing fees and makes sense for budget-conscious consumers who want excellent customer service and results. While they don’t report to Experian, Rock the Score is still one of the market leaders in 2022.
Reports To: Equifax, TransUnion | |
History Reported: 24 months | |
Signup Cost: $48.00 | |
Subscription Cost: $6.95/month | |
Past 24 Months Cost: $65 | |
Spouse or Roommate: yes | |
2nd Person Cost: “Discounted Cost”, not specified | |
TOTAL COST* | $119.95 |
*Cost for signup, first month’s subscription, and 24 months rent history, one person.
Boom
Boom is a different type of rent reporting company. It’s an app that pays your rent for you and reports the payment to all three credit bureaus. Boom also offers the BoomSplit service, which allows you to split your rent into several installments.
Boom can report any lease or valid rental agreement within the last 24 months. You can only use the app if you pay through a rent portal or a direct deduction from your checking account.
The app’s website claims that you can see an improvement in your credit score in as little as 10-15 days.
This is a fascinating concept, especially as the fees are extremely low. It’s a relatively new service and there are still limited reviews available, but it’s certainly worth a close look.
Reports To: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion | |
History Reported: Up to 24 months | |
Signup Cost: $10 | |
Subscription Cost: $2/month | |
Past 24 Months Cost: $25 for up to 24 months | |
Spouse or Roommate: No | |
TOTAL COST* | $37 |
*Cost for signup, first month’s subscription, and 24 months rent history, one person.
Credit Bureaus the Rent Reporting Services Report To
TransUnion |
Equifax |
Experian |
|
---|---|---|---|
Credit Rent Boost | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
Rock the Score | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
Rent Reporters | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
Esusu Rent | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
LevelCredit | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
Boom | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Price Comparison
Ongoing reporting only (no past rent payments) with a monthly subscription:
Company | One-Time Fee | Monthly Fee |
---|---|---|
Credit Rent Boost | $25 | $5.95 |
Rent Reporters | $94.95 | $9.95 |
Esusu Rent | FREE | $50/year |
LevelCredit | FREE | $6.95 |
Rock the Score | $48 | $6.95 |
Boom | $10 | $2.00 |
If you want to report your past rent payments you will need to sign up for the service, pay the subscription fee as well as the historical reporting fee. Here’s what you can expect to pay if you want to report 24 months of rental history:
Company | Signup Cost | Subscription Cost | Past 24 Months | Total Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Credit Rent Boost | $25 | $5.95 | $60 | $90.95 |
Rent Reporters | $94.95 | $9.95 | FREE | $104.9 |
Esusu Rent | FREE | $50/year | $50 | $100 |
LevelCredit | FREE | $6.95 | $49.95 | $56.9 |
Rock the Score | $48 | $6.95 | $65 | $119.95 |
Boom | $10 | $2 | $25 | $37 |
Landlord-Enrolled Rent Reporting Services
There are a few other rent reporting services you may find on the internet that may cost you less money.
However, these services are not available to you unless your landlord signs up for these companies to collect your rent payments on their behalf.
Your landlord or property manager must be enrolled in the program for you to be eligible to have your rental payments reported by the following companies:
You can contact these rent reporting services and ask if your landlord has signed up. If not, you will need to use one of the services above.
How Much Will My Credit Score Increase?
As with most credit-building tools, people with a thin credit file or limited to no credit will see the most significant credit score increase because they have no credit history.
People with thin credit files (no credit or limited credit) report seeing their credit score increase by up to 100 points.
If you have bad credit with a lot of credit history, rent reporting will be good for the long-term credit-building game, but you won’t see as big of a boost as someone with a thin credit file.
The less information you have in your credit report, the more impact each item has on your score.
⚠️ Be Careful!
People with thin credit files will see the largest credit score gains. If you have bad credit with a thick file don’t expect much more than a 25 point gain from the 24 months of back reporting.
How to Choose a Rent Reporting Company
These are the main criteria that you’ll look at when you’re choosing a rent reporting company.
The Price
There are several components to the cost of a rent reporting service. You’ll have to weigh all of them to determine which package is best for you.
- Signup fee. You’ll pay this fee once, when you sign up for the service.
- Monthly fee. An ongoing fee that you pay for each month you use the service.
- Annual payment. Many services give you the option of paying for a full year in a single payment. This is usually less expensive than paying monthly.
- Historical reporting fee. You pay this fee to have past rental payments placed on your credit report. Some services let you choose a 12-month or 24-month period for historical reporting.
- Second participant fees allow you to pay more to have your rent payment placed on two credit reports, yours and that of a spouse, partner, or roommate.
- Expedited reporting fees allow you to have your rent history placed on your credit report immediately. This is useful if you’re applying for credit and you need a quick score boost.
Consider all of these fees and decide which are most important to you. If you’re living alone you won’t care about second participant fees. If you’re a new renter you won’t be concerned with historical reporting.
Work out which services you will use and compare the fees for those.
Credit Bureaus Reported To
There are three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Many rent reporting services report to only one or two of the three.
If your rent reporting service reports only to Equifax and TransUnion and a creditor pulls your credit score from Experian, your rent reporting service won’t do you any good. The more credit bureaus a service reports to, the more credit-building impact you get.
👇 Credit bureaus the rent reporting services report to
Historical Rent Reporting
Most rent reporting services will report past rent payments. This can help you build credit history and get you a record of on-time payments immediately.
Different services will report different amounts of rent history. Some offer 6 months, others one year, others two years. Some will let you choose different time periods.
If you have a long history of on-time rent payments you may wish to choose a service with the longest possible historical payment period.
Some rent reporting services offer additional options, like placing utility or other bills on your credit record or allowing you to pay rent in multiple installments. Several services provide expedited reporting, which places information on your credit report immediately.
You may pay extra for these services, so you’ll have to assess whether they are valuable to you or not.
Landlord Relationship
There are three parties in a rent reporting service: you, your rent reporting service, and your landlord. Different services handle this relationship in different ways.
- In a landlord-enrolled service, you pay your landlord and your landlord reports your payment. Not all landlords want to take this responsibility.
- Some services ask you to pay your rent to the rent reporting service. They pay the landlord and report the payment. You may have to pay the service several days before your rent is due to assure timely payment.
- Other services monitor your bank account. When they detect a rent payment they report it to the credit bureaus. This usually works only if you pay your rent through a direct deduction from your bank account.
None of these methods is better or worse than the others. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Online Reputation
You can learn some things from online reviews, but there are also some issues to remember. Unsatisfied customers are much more likely to post reviews than satisfied customers. Review services do their best to weed out inauthentic reports, but they don’t always succeed.
It’s worth checking ratings from groups like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but be aware of their limitations. BBB ratings, for example, are based on the company’s response to complaints listed on their site, not on customer ratings.
Our Methodology
There is no universal best-fit rent reporting company for everyone. However, almost all clients are looking for pretty much the same thing: the biggest credit score boost with the least expense and hassle.
We used a set of criteria to evaluate over 15 rent reporting companies online and then narrow it down to the five best. All of the companies covered in this article scored exceptionally well.
Here’s what we took into account in our review of rent reporting companies:
Cost
Budget matters even more while working to increase your credit score. Any savings can go directly to paying off past debts. While it is not the only factor, cost became a key deciding factor.
We looked at total cost for 24 months past rent, as well as ongoing monthly costs to find the best services for the greatest value. All the companies that made this list also offer a money-back guarantee for added security, although the fine print on those guarantees varies.
Amount of Credit History
We choose companies that offer the option of reporting past rental payments. While there are companies that report only rental payments moving forward, reporting past payments as well will extend your credit history and give you a more significant credit boost.
Option to Add Another Person
This is useful for anyone who shares a house or apartment with a roommate or spouse. The option to boost credit scores simultaneously is ideal for couples looking to apply for a mortgage in the near future. When you add another person, the additional costs are minimal, making this an important feature in selecting the best rent reporting companies.
This option will not be important to renters who live alone.
Online Reputation
Online reputation is a significant factor in distinguishing companies with otherwise similar services. It is a limited tool. Reviews sites do everything they can to assure that reviews are legitimate, but it’s still possible for companies to seed positive reviews for themselves and negative reviews for their competitors.
We consider online reviews and responsiveness to complaints, but they can’t be taken as 100% accurate.
Other Features
While we didn’t weigh it as heavily as the other features, we did give companies a bonus if they offer extra features such as expedited reporting, utilities or cell phone service reporting, discounts for multiple renters, and even a rent relief program.