June 4, 2021

Pay Rent Online to Build Your Credit Score

Did you know that paying online rent can help build your credit? A recent RentTrack study showed that those who paid their rent online and reported it saw an average increase in 29 points in their credit after just two months. One renter was able to increase credit by 263 points over 21 months!

Paying rent online and reporting it can boost your credit score quickly. That’s because it ensures that credit bureaus see your rent payments and factor them into your credit report. Plus, your credit score can benefit even more if you pay with a credit card. Here is all you need to know.

Paying Online Rent

What actually goes into a credit score, and does paying rent online contribute? According to Experian, credit scores are determined by the following :

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

When you pay rent online, those payments become part of your payment history. As you pay on time and in full and continue to do so, that becomes part of your score, too. If you are paying your rent with a check or going into the office, the first step is to start paying rent online.

Reporting Payments

Once you have paid your rent online, you need to make sure your payments are recognized by the credit bureaus and factored into your report. This can be done through rent reporting, which is “the reporting of monthly on-time rent payments to credit bureaus in order to boost an individual’s credit score,” according to RentTrack . This process doesn’t happen automatically, but using a reporting agency such as RentTrack will make sure your payment is seen by credit bureaus.

Using a Credit Card

Another way to make sure that your rent is reported is by paying rent with your credit card . This makes rent show up automatically in your payment history, and most credit bureaus now include rent payments in their reports. By paying rent on time and in full, you can quickly improve your credit score.

If you decide to pay rent with a credit card, make sure your landlord accepts credit card payments. Here at Eastside Apartment Homes , we accept credit cards and encourage residents to pay with a credit card to get the full benefit of their payments toward their credit. 

At Eastside, we have made all of this easy for you through our online resident portal . As you pay online with our portal, make sure those payments are reported to credit bureaus, and pay with a credit card, you could see your credit score increase in just a few months!

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.