For anyone who’s ever Googled “how do I get a credit score without ruining my life?” — this one’s for you.
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day, and Neither are the Best Credit Scores
When it comes to financial self-help, the internet is basically one giant dumpster fire of inspirational quotes and empty platitudes we’ve all heard before (usually while being gently condescended to by our parents).
Rome, indeed, was not built in a day. But according to John Haywood, the Romans were laying bricks every hour.
So, here’s a few bricks so you can start building your version of Rome.
Spoiler: it’s not getting a credit card with a $200 limit and a 29% APR — though, we guess that’s still an option? If you really want it?)
You Don’t Actually Need a Credit Card to Build Credit
Let’s kill this myth right now: credit cards can help your score if you use them wisely. However, they can also tank your score faster than the Titanic if you’re not the most financially… self-aware.
In blunt terms: this is so not the time for girlmath™️ or being in denial about your financial habits. If you know you’re prone to overspending, or maybe just a little too optimistic about what your current paycheck can handle, perhaps that credit card with the high interest rates isn’t the best option for you — and that’s totally okay.
There are other (arguably better) ways to start building credit than signing up for a bunch of credit cards under a hopeful, “I’ll figure it out later!”
And, thankfully, none of them involve your FICO score screaming out in distress every time you open your wallet.
Start Reporting Those Rent Payments!
If you pay rent every month (like the vast majority of people in America), you’re already doing the hardest part of credit-building: paying your bills on time. Now, you just need to make sure the credit bureaus see it.
Most landlords don’t automatically report rent, but services like Piñata make it easy. (Hi, that’s us 👋)
Piñata helps renters and property managers finally get on the same page, so everyone can spend less time butting heads.
Think of us as your trusty Rent Liaison; we make it easy for landlords to report your on-time rent payments to the major credit bureaus. Which means you get to build credit without taking on debt, and they get to focus on managing their properties instead of second-guessing their tenants.
Add Utility or Phone Bill Reporting
You know those bills you already pay like WiFi, phone, electricity, and maybe even Netflix? Some services will report those on-time payments to credit bureaus, too.
Check out tools like:
* Experian Boost
* LevelCredit
→ Bonus tip: Stack this with rent reporting and you’ll be giving your score a stronger foundation.
Use a Credit-Builder Loan Without Going Broke (Yay, love that for you!)
A credit-builder loan is basically a savings plan with credit score benefits. You “borrow” money that gets locked in a savings account, and as you pay it off month-by-month, that positive payment activity gets reported to the credit bureaus.
At the end? You get your money back, plus a stronger credit profile.
Good options: Self, SeedFi, or local credit unions.
Become an Authorized User (But Read This First)
If you’ve got a very generous (and financially responsible) family member or partner, you can ask to be added to their credit card as an authorized user.
If they’ve got:
✔ a low balance
✔ a long credit history
✔ no missed payments
Then some of that good credit behavior can start reflecting on your report. Think of it like borrowing their credit reputation. Just make sure they don’t miss a payment, or it could backfire.
And as a gentle word of caution: if you’re lucky enough to have a financial fairy godparent, be kind to them. Don’t treat their line of credit like an endless void of Monopoly money. That’s a fast track to burned bridges and bad credit.
Check Your Credit Report (Like, Yesterday)
Okay, okay! We already know what you’re thinking: “But Team Piñata… won’t that lower my credit score??”
Absolutely not!
Federal law actually requires each major credit bureau to give you one free credit report every 12 months. All you have to do is ask.
So, if you haven’t checked already, go to AnnualCreditReport.com and pull all three: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It’s free. It’s your legal right. And it’ll show you exactly what lenders see — good, bad, and huh-what-is-THAT.
TL;DR — Here’s What to Do Today:
•Sign up to report your rent. Oh, Hiii, Piñata 👉🏻👈🏻
(we promise, we actually do want to help).
•Use Experian Boost, or similar for utilities
•Try a credit-builder loan if you’ve got a little cash flow
•Ask a parent/partner/very-generous-friend about becoming an authorized user
•Check your credit report and dispute anything weird
You don’t need to do everything at once. Just pick one brick. Lay it. Then another. And another.
That’s apparently how Rome was built.
That’s also how the best credit scores get built, too.
Want a Shortcut?:
Start by reporting your rent. It’s the easiest first brick and with Piñata, it’s also the most rewarding.
👉 Report your rent. Get rewards. Build credit.
It’s free to start, doesn’t require a credit check, and yes, it’s 100% legit. Don’t believe us? — check us out in (insert most relevant articles, etc)
