Know What's Already on Your Credit Profile
Before adding anything new, start by looking at what's already reporting on your credit profile. This can help you see the positive accounts you already have, what may be missing, and any negative accounts that may need attention.
Don't guess what your credit needs. Start with what's actually reporting.
Why Primary Positive Accounts Matter
Primary positive accounts are accounts in your name that report to one or more credit bureaus. When managed responsibly, they can help establish important parts of your credit profile, including payment history, account age, and credit mix.
Build What Your Profile May Be Missing
Choose only what makes sense for your credit profile. You don't need every option below. If you sign up for one, tap the checkbox so you can keep track of what you've added.
Credit Strong
Reports to: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
A credit builder loan. Pay into a locked savings account monthly, get the money back once paid, and the payment history builds your score.
Ideal for: increasing credit utilization and credit mix
Sign up →Meet Ava
Reports to: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
Reports recurring subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime as positive payments to the bureaus.
Ideal for: subscriptions you already pay for
Sign up →Self
Reports to: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
Another credit builder loan. Build payment history while the money you pay in stays saved.
Ideal for: no credit card yet, need payment history
Sign up →Rent Reporters
Reports to: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
Reports your actual rent payments as a positive tradeline when paid on time, adding real years of history.
Ideal for: renters with a documented, on time payment history
Sign up →Rental Kharma
Reports to: Equifax, TransUnion (within days)
Reports rent history plus past utility payments: phone, electric, gas, water. Use code KWAY at checkout to save.
Ideal for: renters who want to report rental payment history or utility payments
Sign up →A secured card works like a regular credit card, except you put down a refundable cash deposit, usually equal to your starting credit limit. That deposit lowers the risk for the card issuer, so these cards are much easier to qualify for and most don't require a credit check. Your deposit stays yours; it's not a fee. Used responsibly with small purchases paid on time, a secured card builds payment history just like any other credit card, and many issuers will review your account for an upgrade and refund your deposit down the road. The three cards below are secured options worth comparing.
OpenSky Secured Visa
Reports to: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
A cash secured card with no credit check required. Comes in three versions (Original, Plus, and Launch) that differ by deposit amount and starting limit.
Ideal for: clients who cannot qualify for any other card
Sign up →First Progress Platinum Mastercard Secured
Reports to: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
A cash secured Mastercard with no credit check required. The Prestige and Select versions differ mainly on APR.
Ideal for: clients who want a standard, low risk secured card
Sign up →First Latitude Mastercard Secured
Reports to: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
A cash secured Mastercard similar in structure to First Progress. The Assent and Elite versions are tiered by deposit and limit.
Ideal for: clients comparing secured card options side by side
Sign up →Ready to See What You May Qualify For?
Want to explore your options without jumping straight into an application? Check for preapproval offers first when available.
Preapproval can help you explore potential offers before submitting a full application. Always review the issuer's terms and disclosures to understand whether checking for offers affects your credit.
Capital One
Check for Preapproval →Discover
Check for Preapproval →Apple Card
Check for Preapproval →Care Credit
Check for Preapproval →Let it report, then check back
Once you've taken action, give it 30 days to report before you check what's changed.
Already saved a plan?
Negative Accounts Holding You Back?
Need Professional Help With the Negative Side?
Building positive credit is important, but collections, charge offs, late payments, inaccurate reporting, and other negative accounts may still be affecting your credit profile.
See how KWAY may be able to help you address what's reporting and build a strategy for your overall credit profile.
See How KWAY Can Help →