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The Best Credit Boosting Apps: All You Need to Fix Your Credit

Written By
Julija A.
Updated
November 09,2023
Some or all of the products/services listed on this page are from our affiliate partners from which we receive commissions. This, however, does not influence the evaluations in our reviews. Learn more by reading our Advertiser Disclosure.

In a perfect world, we would all have great credit scores. Unfortunately, many of us have made mistakes in the past that have lowered our personal credit ratings. This can make it difficult to get approved for loans and mortgages, or even to get a job.

But don’t get too discouraged; there are now many credit boosting apps that can help you improve your credit score. These apps work by monitoring your credit report and scores from major credit bureaus. They also provide you with tips on how to improve your credit score and fix any errors on your credit report.

To help you choose the right solution, we’ve reviewed some of the best apps available on the market and compiled a comprehensive list of their stand-out features. Feel free to check our article below to see what they are.

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Best Credit-Boosting Apps of March 2024

Credit Strong Logo

Credit Strong

Get Started
Credit bureaus reported: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: From $15 per month
Key Facts
Overview
Pros & Cons
  • Long-term plans
  • No termination fees
  • No hard inquiries
Credit bureaus reported: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: From $25 per month
Key Facts
Overview
Pros & Cons
  • Several subscription plans
  • Includes reports from all three bureaus
  • Option to close your account early
Credit bureaus reported: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: From $19.95 per month
Key Facts
Overview
Pros & Cons
  • 24x7 identity restoration
  • Identity monitoring
  • FICO score simulator
Credit bureaus reported: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: $9 per month (annual billing $6)
KEY FACTS
OVERVIEW
PROS & CONS
  • Offers a credit-builder card
  • Offers a credit building savings account
  • Reports to all three bureaus
  • Helps users save money with an AI assistant
Credit Karma Logo

Credit Karma

Get Started
Credit bureaus reported: Equifax, TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: Free
Key Facts
Overview
Pros & Cons
  • Offers a credit score simulator
  • Completely free boosting app
  • Free identity monitoring
Credit bureaus reported: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: Free plan/$24.99 per month
Key Facts
Overview
Pros & Cons
  • Offers identity theft insurance
  • Dark web surveillance feature
  • Monitors reports from all three bureaus
Credit bureaus reported: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: Per request
Key Facts
Overview
Pros & Cons
  • Low interest rates
  • Long repayment terms
  • Highly customizable credit building plan
Credit.com Logo

Credit.com

Get Started
Credit bureaus reported: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: Free plan/$24.99 per month
Key Facts
Overview
Pros & Cons
  • Paid plan includes 28 FICO scores
  • There’s a free app available
  • Reports from all three bureaus
TransUnion Logo

TransUnion

Get Started
Credit bureaus reported: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
OS: Android, iOS
Pricing: From $24.95 per month
Key Facts
Overview
Pros & Cons
  • Offers interactive calculators
  • Wide range of products and services
  • Is one of the three main credit bureaus in the US
Quick Breakdown

Top Credit Building Apps for 2024: Our Picks

  • Self
  • Credit Strong
  • Ava

  • Credit Karma
  • myFICO
  • Experian
  • SeedFi
  • Credit.com
  • TransUnion

Things to Look for When Choosing an App for Credit Improvement

There are plenty of possibilities when it comes to apps that can help build your credit score. Unfortunately, not all of them are reliable, and some can even do more harm than good. That’s why we’ve decided to assist you and give you some tips on what to look for when choosing such an app. Here's what you need to keep in mind.

Credit Bureau Reports

When looking for a credit building app to help improve your credit score, you should always ensure it offers reports from all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is important, as each bureau may have different information on your credit history. Some apps will only monitor one or two of these bureaus, which can give you an incomplete picture of your credit score.

Having all three reports is crucial because each bureau may have different information on your credit report. By monitoring all three of them, you can get a more accurate picture of your credit situation and work on improving your score.

Monitoring Features

Aside from credit bureau reports, the best credit building apps also include detailed monitoring features. This will allow you to track your progress and see how well you’re doing in terms of improving your credit score. Some apps even provide weekly or monthly updates on your credit score so that you can stay on top of it at all times.

In addition to this, some apps also offer tips on how to improve your credit score. These can be helpful in getting you back on track if you start to see a decline in your score.

Pricing and Fees

When looking to find an app for building credit, it’s important you also consider the pricing and fees involved. Most apps will have a monthly subscription fee, but this is often worth it if you’re serious about improving your credit score. Besides the monthly fee, you should also make sure to check for any additional fees that the app may charge.

These can include charges for credit score reports, credit monitoring, or even customer service. By being aware of all the fees involved, you can make a more informed decision about which app is best for you.

Customer Support

Finally, one of the most important things to look for when choosing an app for credit building is customer support. If you ever have any questions or problems with the app, you’ll want to be able to easily reach out to customer support for help. Good customer service is essential, especially if you’re new to using credit building apps.

You should be able to reach customer support anytime and get prompt responses to any questions or concerns you may have. As you can see, there are a few key things to keep in mind when looking for the best credit building solution. By considering all of these factors, you can be sure to find an app that will help improve your credit score and get you back on track.

FAQ

How can I raise my credit score instantly?

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There is no single way to dramatically boost your credit score, and it’s not always possible to do so instantly. However, using a credit monitoring and optimization app can help you make consistent progress over time. You can also do this by paying your bills on time, maintaining a good credit utilization ratio, and disputing errors on your credit report.

If you decide to seek help with one of the credit building apps, you’ll get insight into various tips they provide for increasing your credit score, which can be extremely useful.

What is the lowest credit score required for buying a house?

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The lowest credit score that is typically required for buying a house is 620. However, this number will vary depending on the lender you choose. Some lenders may require a higher credit score, while others may be more lenient. For example, the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) allows homebuyers to purchase a property with a credit score as low as 580.

On the other hand, conventional and VA loans usually require a score of 620 or higher. It is always best to shop around and compare different lenders before making a decision so that you can find the best credit building app to accommodate your needs.

How long does it take to build your credit?

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There is no one definitive answer to this question, as it will depend on a variety of factors, such as how bad your credit score currently is and how diligently you work to improve it.

However, if you try using an app for credit improvement and make a concerted effort to follow the advice it gives you, you should see a noticeable improvement in your score within six to 12 months. Some of the best credit boosting apps can even help you get your score back to where it was before you made any mistakes that lowered it.

Is it true that after seven years, your credit is clear?

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This isn't quite true. Although some negative items may fall off your credit report after seven years, this does not mean that your credit is automatically cleared. When it comes to Equifax, most negative information stays on your credit report for seven years.

However, bankruptcy can show up on your account for up to 10 years, depending on the bankruptcy type. This is why it's so important to ensure you get your finances in order, and if it's too challenging to do it yourself, credit boosting apps are always there to assist.