First check your reports and whether existing on-time payments already reach the bureaus. A credit builder can add history, but late payments can hurt and no company can guarantee a score increase. Cash-secured loans, restricted credit accounts and secured cards work differently.
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Best for A savings-backed installment payment record
Self
Self’s Credit Builder Account holds the loan proceeds in a certificate of deposit while you make payments. After completion, the remaining proceeds are released after applicable interest and fees.
Published cost
24-month plans; monthly payment, APR and administrative fee depend on the plan.
What to compare
Credit Builder Account payments are reported to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Before you choose
This is not an immediate cash loan. Compare the amount you receive at the end with everything you pay.
Best for A low-cost entry point to a credit account
Kikoff
Kikoff offers a restricted credit account and additional products. Its entry price makes it worth comparing for someone who wants a small recurring payment, but the reporting and features must be checked for the exact plan.
Published cost
Plans start at $5/month; upgrades and separate products have different terms.
What to compare
Reporting coverage depends on the product and plan.
Before you choose
The credit account is not a general cash loan. Do not assume every advertised feature comes with the entry plan.
Best for Choosing among installment credit building plans
CreditStrong
CreditStrong offers multiple credit builder products with different payment commitments. Loan funds are held as security, making the product a way to establish a payment record rather than obtain spending money today.
Published cost
Plan-specific payment, interest and fees; compare the full cost schedule.
What to compare
Consumer installment products report to the three major consumer bureaus.
Before you choose
Choose a payment you can sustain and read how early closure affects the funds held for you.
Kovo’s credit builder uses a $10 monthly installment plan over 24 months. It reports the payment record, but it is not a cash loan or a savings account.
Published cost
$10/month for 24 months: $240 total, with no interest on the listed plan.
What to compare
Company lists TransUnion, Equifax, Experian and Innovis reporting.
Before you choose
Read what you purchase, the cancellation terms and whether an optional revolving product adds a separate obligation.
The current Chime Card uses money moved into a secured deposit account to support card spending. It can fit someone who wants a card while keeping spending tied to money already set aside.
Published cost
No annual fee or interest; some cash or out-of-network transaction fees may apply.
What to compare
Requires a Chime Checking Account in good standing; reports to the three major consumer bureaus.
Before you choose
Chime Card is the current product. The older Credit Builder product is no longer offered to new applicants.
Which bureaus receive this exact product’s payments?
What are the interest, fees and total payments over the full term?
Is money held until the end, spendable only with the provider, or available on a card?
What happens if you miss a payment or close early?
Our practical starting point
Self and CreditStrong use installment accounts. Kikoff and Kovo offer other payment-record products. Chime Card fits someone who wants a secured card and can fund its spending balance.
How we made this shortlist
We compared the providers’ published product scope, costs, reporting or eligibility requirements, and the situations each service fits. This is an editorial selection, not a finding that every listed company will give you a better financial result. Prices and advertised rates were checked on October 11, 2026; your current written offer or checkout terms control.
Original source links appear in each listing. No provider is presented as guaranteeing a credit score change, a deletion or loan approval. Read our approach to sources and rankings.