Building your credit score can feel like a slow and confusing process, especially if you’re just starting out or trying to recover from financial setbacks. But there’s good news: with the right tools and strategies, you can start seeing real progress fast.
Lets explore the best credit-building companies, the fastest ways to improve your credit score, and how to choose the right option for your financial goals.
Which Credit Building Company Improves Your Score the Most?
There are several companies offering tools to help you build or improve your credit score, but not all are created equal. The best credit-building companies offer low-cost, easy-to-use services that report to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
These are some top performers:
1. Kikoff
Kikoff offers a no-interest tradeline designed specifically to help you build credit. It reports monthly to all three credit bureaus, and there’s no hard credit check to get started. With a $0 annual fee and no hidden charges, Kikoff is one of the most affordable and accessible options out there.
“Kikoff is one of the best ways to build your credit score without taking on unnecessary debt.” — Forbes (source)
2. Self
Self offers credit-builder loans that allow you to build a savings account while establishing payment history. You make monthly payments, and once the term ends, you get the money back (minus interest and fees).
3. Experian Boost
Experian Boost lets you add on-time utility and streaming service payments to your Experian credit report, which can provide a quick score increase—especially helpful if you have limited credit history.
“The average user who connects three accounts may see a score increase of 13 points, according to Experian.” — CNBC Select (source)
4. Grow Credit
Grow Credit allows you to build credit by paying for subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify using a virtual credit card that reports to the credit bureaus.
Best Options to Increase Your Credit Score Fast
If you’re looking to increase your credit score quickly, it’s important to focus on actions that impact the most heavily weighted factors in your credit score. Here are the best options:
1. Pay Down Credit Card Balances
Your credit utilization ratio (how much you owe vs. your credit limit) accounts for about 30% of your FICO score. Keeping your utilization below 30%—ideally under 10%—can give your score a fast boost.
2. Become an Authorized User
Ask a family member or friend with good credit and a long credit history to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. You don’t need to use the card to benefit—just being added can improve your score.
3. Open a Credit Builder Account
Services like Kikoff and Self help you establish a positive payment history, which makes up 35% of your FICO score. Consistent on-time payments can lead to a noticeable score increase within a few months.
4. Dispute Credit Report Errors
Review your credit reports for inaccuracies. According to a 2021 study by Consumer Reports, 34% of consumers found at least one error on their credit report (source). Disputing and correcting these errors can quickly improve your score.
Best Way to Build Credit Score Fast
Here’s a quick action plan if you’re starting from scratch or looking to boost your score quickly:
- Sign up for a credit builder account like Kikoff. It’s fast, affordable, and reports to all three bureaus.
- Utilize Experian Boost to get credit for bills you’re already paying.
- Keep credit utilization low—ideally under 10%.
- Always make on-time payments—automate if possible.
- Check your credit reports and dispute any errors.
FAQ: Your Credit Building Questions Answered
Q: How fast can I expect to see results from Kikoff?
A: Many users report seeing score improvements within 30 to 60 days after their first payment is reported to the credit bureaus.
Q: Does Kikoff do a hard credit check?
A: No. Kikoff does not do a hard pull, which means your credit score won’t be impacted when you open an account.
Q: Is building credit with a company like Kikoff better than using a secured credit card?
A: Secured cards can be effective but often require large deposits and may come with interest charges. Kikoff is a no-cost alternative with no deposit required.
Q: Can I use multiple tools at once to build credit?
A: Yes! Using a combination—like Kikoff, Experian Boost, and becoming an authorized user—can maximize your score improvement.
Q: How long does it take to build good credit from scratch?
A: With consistent on-time payments and smart credit habits, you can reach a fair credit score (580–669) in as little as six months. Building a strong credit score (700+) may take a year or more.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to building credit fast, the key is consistency and choosing the right tools. Credit-building services like Kikoff offer a low-cost, low-risk way to start or rebuild your credit with immediate impact. Combine that with smart habits—like keeping utilization low and making on-time payments—and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier financial future.
Ready to start building your credit the smart way? Get started with Kikoff today.
Sources:
- Forbes – “Kikoff Credit Builder Review” https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/kikoff-credit-builder-review/
- CNBC Select – “How Experian Boost can help improve your credit score” https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-experian-boost-can-help-improve-your-credit-score/
- Consumer Reports – “What to Do if You Find an Error on Your Credit Report” https://www.consumerreports.org/money/credit-reports-scores/what-to-do-if-you-find-an-error-on-your-credit-report-a1061728356/
- FICO – Understanding Credit Scores https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-scores
- Self – “How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?” https://www.self.inc/blog/how-long-to-build-credit
