CREDIT BUILDING PRODUCTS
Our credit-building tools are designed to help you add positive payment history to your credit reports the right way. If you’ve been denied financing or asked to bring on a co-signer because you don’t have enough credit history, you’re not alone—and we’ve got a few simple, legit options to help you get started!
Credit tip: You need both types of credit to build a strong profile.
There are two main types of credit accounts—and your credit won’t be fully established without both:
Installment accounts – These are fixed monthly payments, like auto loans, personal loans, or mortgage loans.
Revolving accounts – These are accounts you can use over and over, like credit cards, as long as you pay them back on time.
Each of the recommended accounts below will be clearly labeled as either installment or revolving so you know exactly what you're adding to your credit mix!
Secured Credit Cards
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards VISA®
From $0 / No Annual Fee
Earn more where it matters most — and build credit while you're at it. Ideal for those with good credit (FICO 640+).
Maximize rewards in essential categories, avoid annual fees, and build credit with structured monthly payments.
Upgrade Cash Rewards VISA®
Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back • No Annual Fee
A simple way to earn rewards and build credit. (Fair to good credit, FICO score of 620 or higher)
This card gives you unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. It’s not a traditional credit card—it combines the flexibility of a card with the structure of a personal loan.
LOWER YOUR CREDIT CARD UTILIZATION OR ADD A SECURED LOAN
Credit Strong
Flexible Credit-Building Solutions (For Bad & Fair Credit)
Powerful credit-building plans that let you save while you build credit. No large deposits, no spending required.
Choose from installment or revolving accounts — all backed by Austin Capital Bank (FDIC-insured) and reported to all 3 major bureaus.
Choose Your Plan:
Magnum – Maximum long-term impact
Revolv – Fastest way to build credit and savings
Instal – Simple starter plan for new builders
Experian Boost
Instantly Improve Your Credit Score — Free
Perfect for first-time borrowers, renters, or anyone with limited credit history. Experian Boost gives you credit for paying the bills you’re already paying — instantly.
SELF.
Build Credit While You Build Savings
For Bad & Fair Credit — Open a Credit Builder Account and make on-time payments that Self reports to all 3 major credit bureaus. At the end of your term, unlock your savings (minus fees and interest).
Product Type: Credit Building Loan
Sample Plan: $48/month for 12 months (based on a $545 account)
Minimum Age: 18+
Firstcard
Secured Credit Builder for Students & Immigrants
Rated the best college student credit card of March 2025 by Forbes, Time, and NerdWallet. Firstcard helps you build credit fast—without needing an SSN.
Extra Info:
On-time payments can boost scores by 52 points in 3 months.
Includes mobile app + bank-level encryption.
Best For:
Students and international users who want a secure, low-risk way to build credit while earning cashback and interest.
GO2Bank
Build Credit with Secured CC + Credit Care Advantage
GO2Bank is a digital-first, mobile-friendly bank designed to make secure, fee-friendly banking easy for everyone — especially credit builders.
UpGrade Personal Loan
Business Credit Building – Bill Pay Card
Looking for a loan? UpGrade personal loans are built to support your financial success. Apply in minutes, sign on for your loan, and enjoy a monthly payment schedule that fits your needs.
Universal Credit Personal Loans
Flexible loans for real-life goals
Designed for debt consolidation, major purchases, or big life expenses. Enjoy fast funding, flexible terms, and predictable monthly payments — with no prepayment penalties.
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
Build your credit with ease—no credit check, no annual fee, and cashback rewards
The OpenSky® credit card is designed for people with no credit, bad credit, or those rebuilding. There’s no credit check required to apply, and it reports to all three major bureaus to help build credit history. Users can earn cashback on everyday purchases while tracking their credit progress via the mobile app.
Upgrade - Premier Savings
High-yield savings made simple—grow your money with zero monthly fees.
The Upgrade Premier Savings account offers a high-yield savings option with no monthly maintenance fees, making it an attractive choice for savers looking to grow their money without extra costs. You’ll earn a competitive 4.14% APY, but only on days when your balance stays above $1,000. It’s a secure option as deposits are eligible for FDIC or NCUA insurance through partner institutions.
While it's not a bank itself, Upgrade gives you banking peace of mind through its financial partnerships and protections.
CREDIT MONITORING
You can’t build what you don’t track.
Credit monitoring is essential if you’re serious about improving your credit. It keeps you informed of every change — from score updates to new accounts and inquiries — so you’re never in the dark.
Our credit monitoring service tracks all 3 major credit bureaus and gives you free updated credit reports every 30 days.
Unlike most apps that only show data from 1 or 2 bureaus (and rarely offer full reports), we provide complete, accurate insights — so you can monitor your progress the right way.
No Hard Inquiry to check and monitor scores
$1 to get started
Monitors all 3 Bureaus
Cancel Anytime
CREATE YOUR CREDIT MONITORING ACCOUNT
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