Compare the value.
There are a few common ways to build credit fast. Here’s how they actually stack up, side by side.
| Question | Rental Kharma | Secured credit cards | Credit builder apps | Authorized user tradelines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What goes on your report | Payments you’ve already made, with no new debt | One new card account | A brand-new account | History that isn’t really yours |
| Cost to start | $75 enrollment | $200 to $300 refundable deposit | A 15% fixed fee to hold your own money | $500 to $1,500 set-up fee, paid to a stranger’s account |
| First effect on your score | Results in 3 to 10 days on TransUnion and Equifax | Often a drop from the new inquiry | New-account penalty of 15 to 30 points | An increase that is often temporary |
| Built to last | Yes. It’s your own payment record | Slowly, and costly if you carry a balance | Gains disappear when the account closes | Not designed for long-term building |
Credit builder figures come from our lesson on why to avoid credit builder apps.
Why does it work this fast?
Because we’re not creating new credit history. We’re reporting payments you’ve already made.
Once your rent or utility payment is independently verified, there’s nothing left to wait on except the bureaus themselves. That’s why it typically appears in 3 to 10 days rather than months. And every membership includes unlimited 1-on-1 mentoring and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
See what your history could add.
Rent reporting starts at $75, then $8.95/mo. Cancel anytime.