Top 5 Apps That Help You Build Credit Without a Credit Card
Date Published
If you’re trying to build credit but don’t want—or can’t get—a credit card, you’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting out or recovering from financial hardship, good credit opens doors. The great news? You don’t need a traditional credit card to build a strong score.
Thanks to a new wave of credit-building apps, it’s easier than ever to take control of your credit journey. These tools report positive payment history to the credit bureaus using things like rent, subscriptions, and small installment loans. Best of all, they’re designed with everyday people in mind—no credit history required.
Here are five of the best credit-building apps in 2025 that don’t require a credit card:
1. Experian Boost®
What it does: Experian Boost lets you get credit for paying bills you’re already paying—like Netflix, utilities, and even your cell phone.
How it works: You connect your bank account and allow the app to scan for recurring payments. Once verified, Experian adds those on-time payments to your credit report, which can raise your FICO® Score.
Why we love it: It’s free, easy to use, and gives results fast. Some users see a boost in minutes.
Best for: People with little to no credit history who consistently pay household bills.
2. Self
What it does: Self offers a credit builder loan, where you “borrow” a small amount of money that’s held in a secured account. You make monthly payments toward the loan, and Self reports those payments to all three credit bureaus.
How it works: You don’t get the loan funds up front—they’re locked in a savings account. Once you finish the term (usually 12 to 24 months), you get your money back, minus fees and interest.
Why we love it: It helps you build credit and savings at the same time. There’s no hard credit pull.
Best for: Beginners looking for structure and a long-term path to better credit.
3. Kikoff
What it does: Kikoff gives you a $750 revolving line of credit—but it can only be used for purchases in Kikoff’s online store (like ebooks or courses). It reports to the major credit bureaus, helping build your credit profile without traditional borrowing.
How it works: You buy a low-cost item (some are under $10), then pay it off in small monthly amounts. There’s no interest or fees, and your on-time payments are reported monthly.
Why we love it: There’s no credit check, and you can keep utilization very low, which is great for your score.
Best for: People who want a hands-off way to build credit while avoiding temptation to overspend.
4. Grow Credit
What it does: Grow Credit gives you a virtual Mastercard you can use to pay for monthly subscription services like Spotify, Hulu, Disney+, and more. The app reports those payments to the credit bureaus.
How it works: You link your bank account and choose a plan. The free version covers up to $17/month in subscriptions, while paid plans offer higher limits and more flexibility.
Why we love it: It turns your everyday subscriptions into a credit-building tool—and the free tier makes it accessible to everyone.
Best for: Streaming lovers who already pay for multiple subscriptions.
5. Brigit (Credit Builder)
What it does: Brigit offers budgeting tools, overdraft protection, and a credit builder feature that lets you build credit with small monthly payments.
How it works: Once enrolled, Brigit sets up a credit builder account in the background. You don’t need to manage it day-to-day—they handle the payments and reporting for you.
Why we love it: It’s an all-in-one financial wellness app that works behind the scenes to improve your credit score.
Best for: Busy folks who want to “set it and forget it.”
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a credit card to start building credit. These apps prove that there’s more than one path to financial growth. Whether you’re paying your Netflix bill or using a small installment loan, the key is consistency and making payments on time.
Pick one (or two) of these tools that fits your lifestyle, and start building your credit with confidence. You’ve got this!