August 8, 2020

Does Paying Rent Build Credit? It Does If You’re Paying Rent Online

Are you looking for a way to improve your credit score? It’s easy if you’re paying rent online. In a 2017 study , TransUnion found that renters who report their rent payments to credit bureaus were able to increase their credit scores by 16 points on average in six months.

By paying rent online, you guarantee that your payment history is reported, thus ensuring a better credit score for yourself. You can do even more good for yourself by using a credit card to pay your rent.

Ensures Your Payments Are Reported

“Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit,”  says Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet. “But reporting your rent payments can help you build credit—especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.”

At Eastside, the process is simple enough with our online payment system because it reports your payments to credit bureaus for you. All you have to do is make your payments each month and leave the rest to us. In order to opt in for the credit reporting, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account through the resident portal and click on “Make a Payment Now.”
  2. Select “Build your credit history by opting in to credit reporting.”
  3. Enter your information in the credit reporting fields. Be sure to select “yes” for month-to-month lease if you have one, or select “no” and a lease end date.

Shows Credit Bureaus What They Are Looking For

Being knowledgeable of what credit bureaus look for when assigning your credit score is important when it comes to building your credit. Experian, for example, determines credit scores through the following elements :

  • Use of credit cards
  • Payment history
  • Applications for new loans and credit

Paying your rent on time contributes positive transactions to your payment history, thereby improving your credit.

Combines with Credit Card Payments for Higher Score Gains

Consider using a credit card when paying rent online to add an extra boost to your credit gains.

“Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month,”  says LaToya Irby, credit expert for The Balance. “The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

Of course, you don’t have to pay with a credit card if you choose to pay your rent online, but if you’re looking to build some extra credit, it could be the way to go.

Next time rent comes due, consider paying rent online and using the resident portal to do so. Enjoy watching your credit grow as your payments are reported to credit bureaus, showing them exactly what they are looking for. Plus, if you choose to pay rent with a credit card, you may increase your score even more. Happy credit-score-boosting!

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at Eastside Apartments

April 15, 2026
At  Eastside Apartments  , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us. 1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs: Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card. Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow. Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime. 2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinata Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata. How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.) 3. More Ways the App Helps You Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Eastside Costa Mesa community. You can: Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs. Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details. Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents. At  Eastside Apartments  , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.

Celebrate the 2023 Holidays in Costa Mesa, CA!

November 16, 2023
Fun holiday activities, plenty of great shopping, and opportunities to volunteer abound during this time of year! Here’s what’s going on in and around Costa Mesa, CA, this year.
Woman carrying her cat

Four Tips for Apartment Living with Pets

By Marketing - • September 16, 2021
Did you know that pets can improve your health and overall well-being? According to the CDC, pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and feelings of loneliness.