The average American’s FICO credit score hit an all-time high this past April, nosing in at 692. FICO scores range from 300 to 850. Although judgment of credit scores is often in the eye of the beholder, anything between 700 and 749 is considered a good score, with the best scores ranging 750 and higher.
Debtors emerging from bankruptcy are often far below the national average credit score, so rebuilding and improving is a high priority for many. Fortunately, Experian and TransUnion, two of the country’s largest credit reporting bureaus, are now allowing landlords to report rental payment histories for tenants. According to an article in the Washington Post, “nearly 20 percent of renters saw an increase in their score of 10 points or more after just one month” once rental payments were included in the consumer’s credit profile. An extra 10 points on a credit score can mean the difference between a “poor” credit score and an “average” credit score, which translates to a better interest rate and a lower monthly loan payment.
There are two ways for a landlord to submit rental payments to a credit bureau (a tenant may not self-report). The first is when a landlord agrees to receive payment through a third party service, such as RentTrack. Tenants are able to pay rent through RentTrack via credit card or echeck directly from a bank account. There is a small processing fee for these services.
The second way to report rent payments is when a landlord provides a history of rental payments to the credit bureau, such as through TransUnion’s Resident Credit program.
Another option for consumers to include rental payments in a credit analysis is to use an alternative credit data company such as ECredable. These credit bureaus will verify a tenant’s rental payment history and include this data in a credit report and score, which can be used during a loan application. Under federal credit regulations, the mortgage company is required to consider this information during its loan approval process.
Your bankruptcy discharge will provide a fresh start, but it is up to you to rebuild your credit score. This takes time and attention. Your bankruptcy attorney can help you analyze your situation and make recommendations for improving your score after bankruptcy.