Boost Your Credit Score with
These Top Websites and Apps
Transitioning into adulthood will usually come with some big ticket purchases like purchasing a home or a car. These purchases usually take into account a certain three digit number that we call the “credit score.” At times, property rental companies and certain employers also take a look at your credit score before making a decision to rent to you or hire you. What should you do if your score isn’t quite as high as it needs to be? We’ve compiled a list of a few of the best websites and apps to help you boost your credit score.
Credit Karma
One of the most recognizable credit monitoring apps is Credit Karma. While not the best app on the market in terms of available options, it does a good job of giving you information about your current credit score and the factors affecting the number.
Users are able to view a Credit Score Simulation that will allow you to see the impact of certain moves on your credit score. For example, what happens when you apply for a new credit card or a loan? Or what happens when you pay a bill late?
The great thing about Credit Karma is that it’s completely free to use. Users can access and monitor their score at any time and look for any changes and inconsistencies, which is key when trying to raise your credit score; you want to make sure all the information is accurate and up to date.
Experian
Experian is one of the major credit reporting agencies and offers support for users who want to monitor and grow their credit score. Their signature program, CreditWorks, helps users build or rebuild their credit history. There are two tiers to choose from: CreditWorks Basic and CreditWorks Premium.
CreditWorks Basic is completely free and will include score tracking and FICO score alerts. You’ll receive a monthly credit report and your FICO score.
CreditWorks Premium is a paid service and will offer the same features as Basic, but will also include extra perks such as identity theft monitoring and insurance, and you’ll receive your credit report and FICO score daily instead of monthly.
TransUnion
TransUnion is also one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States. TransUnion’s CreditView dashboard allows you to see your score in real time and offers suggestions for ways to improve your score. There are a wide variety of services available, including identity theft protection and insurance.
TransUnion offers several options for plans, starting at $24.95 and holds a score of A+ with the Better Business Bureau, so you can be sure you’re getting the best service.
What to Look For
Not all credit monitoring/boosting services are created equal. What should you look for when deciding on a credit monitoring app?
- Monitoring from all three credit bureaus. This is crucial in making sure each bureau has the correct information.
- Available Features. You want to take note of which features are available. It’s best to have a service that gives a detailed description of entries and also offers tips for improving your score.
- Customer Service. Make sure customer service is easily accessible. If you have questions or concerns with the app, you’ll want to make sure you can reach someone who can help you right away.
- Fees. Consider the pricing and fees involved for credit monitoring. Oftentimes it’s worth the cost, but be sure the essential features are included in the price. Also make sure you’re aware of any additional in app fees or purchases that may be required.
Our Conclusion
Deciding on a credit monitoring app can be a daunting task. It takes a little research to find the service that best fits your needs and your budget. These are just a few of the best credit monitoring apps on the market, but there are many more out there. Take the time to look at each one before deciding. This ensures you find the best fit and can get on the road to rebuilding your credit!
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