Credit Tools & Resources
Reputable tools to help build credit, report rent payments, and monitor your progress—with honest watch-outs.
Read the Credit Guide FirstAffiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links through Greenlight. If you choose to sign up, Non-QM Lenders may earn compensation at no extra cost to you. We only share tools that are publicly available, and you should always verify terms on the official site.
Educational Information Only
Non-QM Lenders is not a credit repair company and does not remove accurate information from credit reports. This page is educational and informational. Always verify terms and pricing on official provider websites.
Start Here: Get Your Free Credit Reports
The only federally authorized source for free annual credit reports from all three bureaus.
AnnualCreditReport.com
Get free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is the official site—avoid lookalike sites that may charge fees.
Get Free ReportsThe Three Credit Bureaus
Each bureau may have slightly different information. Check all three to verify accuracy.
One of the three major credit bureaus. Offers credit monitoring and identity protection services.
Visit EquifaxProvides credit reports, scores, and monitoring. Also offers Experian Boost for adding utility payments.
Visit ExperianThe third major bureau. Offers credit monitoring, identity protection, and credit lock services.
Visit TransUnionCredit Builder Tools
These tools can help establish or build credit history through reported payments.
A credit builder loan that reports to all three bureaus.
Who it's for:
- People with no credit history
- Those rebuilding credit
- Anyone wanting to add installment loan history
What it helps with:
- Building payment history
- Adding credit mix (installment loan)
- Saving money while building credit
Watch-outs:
- Monthly payments required
- Interest charges apply
- Takes time to see results
Pricing: Starting at $25/month—verify on the official site.
View pricing detailsA no-fee credit account that reports to credit bureaus.
Who it's for:
- People building credit from scratch
- Those who want no monthly fees
- Anyone wanting a simple credit-building option
What it helps with:
- Establishing credit history
- Building payment history
- Low barrier to entry
Watch-outs:
- Small credit line
- Limited to Kikoff purchases
- May not report to all bureaus
Pricing: No monthly fee—verify on the official site.
View pricing detailsCredit builder accounts with various plan options.
Who it's for:
- Those wanting flexible payment options
- People building or rebuilding credit
- Anyone wanting to save while building credit
What it helps with:
- Building payment history
- Adding installment loan to credit mix
- Building savings simultaneously
Watch-outs:
- Monthly payments required
- Different plans have different terms
- Interest and fees vary by plan
Pricing: Multiple plans available—verify on the official site.
AI-powered credit management and dispute assistance.
Who it's for:
- Those with errors on credit reports
- People wanting automated monitoring
- Anyone wanting dispute assistance
What it helps with:
- Identifying potential errors
- Streamlining dispute process
- Monitoring credit changes
Watch-outs:
- Premium features require subscription
- Cannot remove accurate information
- Results vary based on your situation
Pricing: Free tier available; premium plans vary—verify on the official site.
Additional CreditStrong options: CS Revolv | Instal/CS Max | MAGNUM | Magnum Bank
Rent Reporting Services
Report your on-time rent payments to credit bureaus to help build credit history.
Report rent payments to build credit history.
Who it's for:
- Renters with on-time payment history
- Those with thin credit files
- Anyone wanting to leverage rent for credit
What it helps with:
- Adding payment history
- Building credit without new debt
- Leveraging existing payments
Watch-outs:
- Monthly or annual fee
- May not report to all bureaus
- Landlord verification may be required
Pricing: Varies—verify on the official site.
Report current and past rent payments to credit bureaus.
Who it's for:
- Renters wanting to report rent history
- Those with consistent rent payments
- People building credit from scratch
What it helps with:
- Reporting up to 24 months of past rent
- Adding positive payment history
- Building credit without new accounts
Watch-outs:
- Setup and monthly fees apply
- Landlord verification needed
- Not all scoring models use rent data
Pricing: Setup fee + monthly fee—verify on the official site.
Report rent payments through Kikoff's platform.
Who it's for:
- Existing Kikoff users
- Renters wanting simple rent reporting
- Those building credit history
What it helps with:
- Adding rent to credit history
- Integrating with Kikoff credit account
- Simple setup process
Watch-outs:
- May require Kikoff account
- Check which bureaus receive reports
- Verify current pricing and terms
Pricing: Verify current pricing on the official site.
Credit Monitoring Services
Monitor your credit for changes and potential identity theft.
Credit monitoring and identity protection services.
Who it's for:
- Those wanting comprehensive monitoring
- People concerned about identity theft
- Anyone wanting regular credit updates
What it helps with:
- Monitoring all three bureaus
- Identity theft protection
- Regular score updates
Watch-outs:
- Monthly subscription required
- Free alternatives exist for basic monitoring
- Compare features before subscribing
Pricing: Multiple plans available—verify on the official site.
Identity theft protection and credit monitoring.
Who it's for:
- Those wanting identity protection
- People needing credit monitoring
- Anyone wanting regular credit access
What it helps with:
- Identity theft monitoring
- Credit report access
- Score tracking over time
Watch-outs:
- Subscription fees apply
- Read terms carefully
- Compare with free options first
Pricing: Various plans available—verify on the official site.
Authorized User: The Safe Way vs The Risky Way
Being added as an authorized user can help build credit—but there are right and wrong ways to do it.
Being added by a trusted family member or close friend who has:
- Long credit history on the account
- Low credit utilization
- Perfect on-time payment history
- A genuine relationship with you
This is legitimate and can help build credit when done with someone you trust.
Buying "tradelines" from strangers or companies that sell authorized user spots:
- Often involves scams or fraud
- Violates credit card terms of service
- Lenders are skeptical of sudden tradelines
- May backfire and hurt your application
Not recommended. This approach is risky, often expensive, and may not help—or could hurt—your credit goals.
Trusted Education Resources
Official government and nonprofit resources for credit education.
The federal agency that protects consumers in the financial sector. Offers guides on credit reports, disputes, and consumer rights.
Visit CFPBA federal resource with plain-language guides on checking credit reports, understanding credit, and avoiding scams.
Visit Consumer.govWant the Full Credit Strategy?
Download our free guide on Credit Mix & Utilization—the two factors that make up 40% of your FICO score. Includes practical timelines for mortgage applicants.
Disclaimer: Educational information only. Not financial or legal advice. Results vary. Verify terms with the official provider. Pricing and features may change—always check the official website for current information.
Ready to Learn More About Credit Improvement?
Read our step-by-step guide to understanding and improving your credit score.
Read the Credit Guide