Struggling to Build Credit? Your Rent Payments Could Help Fix That.

Your rent check might finally start doing more than just keeping a roof over your head. A TransUnion report shows that 13% of renters now share their rent payments with credit bureaus, with participants seeing average 60-point credit score increases when rent appears on reports. It’s a simple change that’s helping “credit invisible” consumers, newcomers, and younger adults with little to no credit history get a real shot at financial progress.

• Gen Z leads the trend in reporting rent payments (18%), followed by millennials (16%), Gen X (12%), and baby boomers (8%), per Apartment List.
• Services cost $6.95 to $9.95 a month with setup fees of $25 to $95, but they vary widely — some report only on-time payments, while others include late ones that can hurt your score.

Your rent reporting checklist: Check if you actually need the boost, since adding rent data won’t significantly help those with established credit history. Verify services report to all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) so lenders can see your payment record, understand cancellation policies, and consider worst-case scenarios like job loss before signing up. Regardless, for those with limited credit seeking mortgage approval, consistent rent reporting can provide the credit foundation needed to qualify for better loan terms.