Does Rent Affect Credit Score in Canada? 2026 Guide

The Rent and Credit Score Connection in Canada

Rent represents the single largest monthly expense for most Canadians, yet this substantial payment traditionally does nothing to build credit scores. While homeowners strengthen their credit profiles automatically through mortgage payments, renters make comparable or larger payments each month with no credit benefit whatsoever.

Research shows that 54% of people between 25 and 34 years old in Canada are renters, representing millions of Canadians who miss critical credit-building opportunities every single month. This creates a frustrating paradox - your ability to pay rent on time demonstrates financial responsibility, yet credit bureaus never see this evidence.

The disconnect affects millions of Canadians. According to Equifax data, more than three million adults in Canada don't have a credit score, while a further seven million have only limited data that hinders their ability to access credit products. Many of these individuals pay rent consistently but remain invisible to the credit system.

Unlike credit cards, car loans, and mortgages, rent payments aren't automatically reported to Canada's major credit bureaus - Equifax and TransUnion. Landlords simply don't report payment data as standard practice, leaving renters without the credit-building benefits that homeowners receive automatically. This gap particularly impacts young renters, newcomers to Canada, and anyone working to establish or rebuild their credit history.

The is changing in 2026. Rent reporting services now offer renters the opportunity to have their payment history added to their credit files, and the federal government has pushed financial institutions to prioritize these tools. Understanding how rent affects credit scores in Canada helps renters make informed decisions about building financial futures.

The Traditional Answer: Why Rent Doesn't Automatically Build Credit

The Canadian credit reporting system treats rent payments fundamentally differently than mortgage payments, despite both representing housing costs. This difference stems from decades-old reporting practices that favor homeowners.

Why Mortgage Payments Build Credit Automatically

Mortgage lenders report payment activity to credit bureaus as standard practice. When you make a mortgage payment, your lender transmits this data to Equifax and TransUnion within 30 to 45 days. This automatic reporting happens because:

• Mortgage lenders are financial institutions with established bureau relationships
• Reporting protects lenders by creating payment history records
• The mortgage industry developed standardized reporting protocols decades ago
• Lenders benefit from shared credit data across the financial system

Homeowners build credit effortlessly through this system. Every on-time mortgage payment strengthens their credit profile, improving their ability to access loans, credit cards, and better interest rates.

The Landlord Reporting Gap

Landlords face no requirement or incentive to report rent payments to credit bureaus. Most property managers and individual landlords:

• Lack established relationships with credit bureaus
• Don't use systems integrated with credit reporting infrastructure
• See no direct benefit from sharing tenant payment data
• Face administrative burden and costs for voluntary reporting

This creates an enormous missed opportunity for renters. According to Equifax Canada, payment history accounts for 35% of credit scores - the single largest factor in credit calculations. When rent payments go unreported, renters lose their biggest chance to demonstrate creditworthiness.

The Impact on Canadian Renters

The exclusion of rent from credit reporting creates measurable disadvantages. Data from Borrowell members shows the average Canadian credit score stands at 672 based on over two million profiles analyzed in 2022. Many renters fall below this average specifically because their largest monthly payment never appears on their credit report.

Consider two individuals with identical financial behavior - one rents, one owns. The homeowner steadily builds credit through mortgage payments. The renter, paying the same amount monthly with equal reliability, builds nothing. Over time, the homeowner qualifies for better loan terms, lower interest rates, and expanded credit access. The renter remains stuck with limited credit options despite demonstrating identical financial responsibility.

This gap particularly affects renters seeking rent loans or working toward homeownership. A credit score of 680 or above is required to qualify for the best mortgage rates in Canada in 2024. Renters who would easily clear this threshold based on rent payment history often can't demonstrate their creditworthiness through traditional reporting.

What Doesn't Help Build Credit

Many renters assume that landlord credit checks during the rental application process help build credit. They don't. These screening checks serve only to evaluate your existing credit - they don't report your subsequent payment behavior.

Similarly, paying rent through certain payment platforms doesn't automatically build credit unless the platform specifically offers rent reporting services. Moving money from your bank account to your landlord, regardless of method, creates no credit bureau record without deliberate reporting.

Hard vs. Soft Credit Checks for Rental Applications

Understanding the difference between hard and soft credit inquiries helps renters protect their credit scores during apartment searches. These checks affect your credit differently, and knowing which type your landlord uses matters.

Hard Credit Inquiries Explained

Hard inquiries occur when a lender or creditor checks your credit as part of a lending decision. These checks:

• Appear on your credit report and remain visible for up to three years
• Can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points
• Signal to other lenders that you're actively seeking credit
• Typically impact scores for several months before the effect fades

Multiple hard inquiries within a short period can compound the negative effect, suggesting financial stress or desperation to potential lenders. However, credit scoring models typically group similar inquiries within a 14 to 45-day window as a single inquiry when you're rate shopping.

Soft Credit Inquiries and Rental Screening

Soft inquiries don't affect your credit score. These checks occur when:

• You check your own credit report
• Companies pre-screen you for promotional offers
• Employers conduct background checks
• Some landlords screen rental applicants

Most landlord credit checks function as soft inquiries or specialized rental screening reports that don't impact your score. Recent policy changes at major credit bureaus ensure that rental screening checks don't harm credit scores, recognizing that apartment hunting differs from credit seeking.

Why Rental Screening Doesn't Build Credit

The crucial distinction: whether a landlord performs a hard or soft credit check during your rental application, neither check reports your ongoing rent payments. These inquiries only screen your existing credit profile - they don't create a tradeline or payment history on your credit report.

Landlords check credit to assess risk before signing a lease. Once approved, your monthly rent payments remain invisible to credit bureaus unless you or your landlord specifically arranges for rent reporting through a third-party service. The screening check and ongoing payment reporting represent completely separate processes.

How Rent Reporting Services Work in 2026

Rent reporting services bridge the gap between rent payments and credit building by transmitting your payment data to credit bureaus. These services have evolved significantly, with government support and industry standardization making them more accessible in 2026.

The Rent Reporting Process

Rent reporting works by creating a formal relationship between your rent payments and credit bureaus. Here's how the process typically functions:

1. You sign up with a rent reporting service and provide rental agreement documentation
2. The service verifies your tenancy and payment history with your landlord or property manager
3. Your rent payments get reported to one or both major Canadian credit bureaus monthly
4. The bureaus add this payment data to your credit file as a tradeline
5. Credit scoring models incorporate your rent payment history into score calculations

Most services report both current payments and historical data. If you've paid rent consistently for two years, many platforms can backdate this payment history, giving your credit score an immediate boost rather than waiting months for new data to accumulate.

Types of Rent Reporting Services

Canadian renters can access rent reporting through several channels:

• Third-party reporting platforms - Dedicated services like FrontLobby that specialize in rent reporting for a monthly fee
• Property management companies - Some larger landlords and property managers now offer rent reporting as a tenant benefit
• Financial technology platforms - Services like Neobanc that combine bill payment features with credit building opportunities
• Credit building apps - Platforms focused on helping users establish or rebuild credit that include rent reporting capabilities

Each option involves different fee structures, reporting scopes, and bureau relationships. Some report only to Equifax, others to TransUnion, and premium services report to both bureaus for maximum credit building impact.

Government Support for Rent Reporting

Budget 2024 included a federal government call for banks, fintechs, and credit bureaus to prioritize launching tools that allow renters to opt in to reporting their rent payment history. This governmental push aims to strengthen credit scores and unlock pathways for more renters to become homeowners.

This policy support has accelerated adoption across the financial services industry. More banks now partner with rent reporting platforms, and credit bureaus have standardized how they process and weight rental payment data. The result is a more for renters seeking credit building opportunities in 2026.

Costs and Considerations

Most rent reporting services charge monthly fees ranging from $5 to $20, though some property management companies include reporting at no additional cost to tenants. When evaluating services, consider:

• Which credit bureaus receive your data (one or both)
• Whether historical payments can be reported retroactively
• How quickly reported data appears on your credit file
• If the service requires landlord participation or works independently
• What happens to your reported data if you cancel the service

The investment often pays dividends. Even modest credit score improvements can qualify you for better interest rates on loans, credit cards with higher limits, and ultimately better mortgage terms when transitioning from renting to homeownership.

The Credit Building Impact of Reporting Rent

Rent reporting delivers measurable credit score improvements for many renters, particularly those with limited credit history. Understanding the potential impact helps you set realistic expectations and maximize benefits.

Who Benefits Most from Rent Reporting

Rent reporting creates the strongest impact for specific renter profiles:

• Credit-invisible individuals - The three million Canadians without credit scores can establish scores based solely on rent payment data
• Thin-file consumers - Seven million Canadians with limited credit accounts can diversify their credit mix and strengthen payment history
• Young renters - First-time renters and recent graduates can build credit from their first apartment
• Newcomers to Canada - Immigrants without Canadian credit history can establish creditworthiness through rent
• Credit rebuilders - People recovering from past credit issues can demonstrate current responsible behavior

A multi-year study by Equifax and FrontLobby found that 48% of renters who use rent reporting platforms were scoreable based solely on rental data reported into Equifax, with no other credit accounts listed in their credit report. This demonstrates rent reporting's power to create credit profiles from scratch.

Expected Score Improvements

Credit score increases from rent reporting vary based on your starting position and overall credit profile. Renters typically see:

• Immediate score establishment for credit-invisible individuals (scores typically start in the 600-650 range)
• 10 to 40-point increases for thin-file consumers within three to six months
• Gradual improvements for established credit users as rent adds positive payment history
• Stronger improvements when combining rent reporting with other credit-building activities

The impact compounds over time. Each month of reported on-time payments strengthens your payment history percentage and demonstrates consistent financial management. After 12 to 24 months of reported rent, many renters qualify for credit products previously unavailable to them.

Payment History Weight in Credit Scores

Payment history represents 35% of your credit score calculation - the single most influential factor. Rent reporting capitalizes on this weight by adding a substantial payment to your history. For someone making $1,800 monthly rent payments, this adds $21,600 in annual payment activity to their credit profile.

This volume matters. Credit scoring models evaluate not just whether you pay on time, but the consistency and size of payments managed successfully. Rent often represents your largest monthly obligation, making it a powerful signal of creditworthiness when reported.

Long-Term Credit Building Strategy

Rent reporting works best as part of a comprehensive credit strategy. Combine reported rent payments with:

• Responsible credit card use with low utilization rates
• Diverse credit types including installment loans when appropriate
• Consistent on-time payments across all credit accounts
• Regular credit report monitoring to track progress and catch errors

Understanding rent increase regulations and rent control rules helps you budget for consistent payments that build credit over time. Payment consistency matters more than occasional large payments or irregular patterns.

Potential Drawbacks and Risks of Rent Reporting

While rent reporting offers substantial benefits, renters should understand potential downsides before enrolling. These services aren't universally beneficial for every renter in every situation.

When Rent Reporting Can Hurt Your Credit

Rent reporting works both ways - it reports late payments and missed payments just as faithfully as on-time payments. This creates risk if:

• You occasionally pay rent late due to irregular income or cash flow issues
• You're currently behind on rent or expect payment difficulties
• Your landlord relationship is contentious and disputes might affect payment timing
• You plan to break your lease or have unstable housing situations

Research indicates that tenant evictions cost an average of $11,000. Beyond this financial burden, eviction proceedings and related late payments reported to credit bureaus can devastate credit scores for years.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis

Monthly fees for rent reporting services range from $5 to $20. Over a year, this represents $60 to $240 in additional housing costs. Consider whether:

• Your credit building goals justify the ongoing expense
• Free credit building alternatives (secured credit cards, credit builder loans) might serve you better
• You plan to rent long enough to realize meaningful credit improvements
• The service reports to both bureaus or just one (single-bureau reporting limits impact)

For renters with stable payment histories seeking homeownership within one to three years, the investment typically makes sense. For those with inconsistent income or short-term rental plans, the cost may outweigh benefits.

Service Cancellation Considerations

What happens to your reported rent data if you cancel a rent reporting service varies by provider. Some considerations include:

• Previously reported data typically remains on your credit file permanently
• Future rent payments stop being reported when you cancel
• Your credit score may decrease if rent was your primary positive tradeline
• Restarting service later may not allow backdating of payments made while inactive

Read service agreements carefully to understand data retention policies and cancellation impacts before committing.

Landlord Cooperation Requirements

Some rent reporting services require landlord participation or verification. This creates challenges when:

• You rent from an individual landlord unfamiliar with reporting services
• Your property manager refuses to engage with third-party platforms
• Landlord changes occur mid-lease, disrupting reporting continuity
• Documentation requirements prove burdensome for informal rental arrangements

Services that verify payments through bank account analysis rather than landlord cooperation avoid these issues but may cost more or offer limited historical reporting.

Alternative Credit Building Strategies for Renters

Rent reporting represents just one credit building tool available to Canadian renters. Understanding alternatives helps you create a comprehensive strategy that accelerates credit improvement.

Secured Credit Cards

Secured credit cards require a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit but report to credit bureaus like traditional cards. They offer:

• Guaranteed approval regardless of credit history
• Monthly payment reporting to build credit
• Eventual graduation to unsecured cards with responsible use
• Lower fees than many rent reporting services

Making small purchases and paying the full balance monthly builds payment history effectively. After six to 12 months of responsible use, many issuers return your deposit and convert your account to an unsecured card.

Credit Builder Loans

Credit builder loans hold borrowed funds in a locked savings account while you make monthly payments. Once you complete all payments, you receive the accumulated funds. Benefits include:

• Forced savings combined with credit building
• Fixed monthly payments that demonstrate reliability
• No credit check required for approval
• Lower risk than traditional borrowing since funds are secured

These loans specifically target credit building rather than immediate access to funds, making them ideal for renters focused purely on score improvement.

Authorized User Status

Becoming an authorized user on a family member's credit card with strong payment history can boost your credit quickly. The primary cardholder's payment history appears on your credit report, even if you never use the card yourself.

This strategy works best when the primary account holder has:

• A long account history (older accounts strengthen your average account age)
• Consistent on-time payments with no late marks
• Low credit utilization relative to available credit
• Trust that you won't misuse card privileges if given spending access

Bill Payment Reporting

Beyond rent, some services report other recurring bill payments to credit bureaus. Platforms like Neobanc allow you to earn cashback on bill payments while potentially building credit through consistent payment reporting. Utility bills, phone bills, and insurance payments all demonstrate financial responsibility when reported.

Combining Strategies for Maximum Impact

The most effective credit building combines multiple approaches. A renter might simultaneously:

• Report rent payments through a third-party service
• Use a secured credit card for small monthly expenses
• Become an authorized user on a parent's card
• Monitor credit reports regularly to track progress

This diversified approach builds payment history across multiple tradelines, improves credit mix, and accelerates score improvements beyond what any single strategy delivers alone.

The Future of Rent and Credit in Canada

The relationship between rent payments and credit scores continues evolving as government policy, industry innovation, and consumer demand reshape credit reporting standards. Understanding these trends helps renters anticipate coming opportunities.

Government Policy Initiatives

The 2024 federal budget's call for expanded rent reporting reflects growing recognition that excluding rent from credit assessment disadvantages millions of Canadians. This policy direction suggests future developments including:

• Potential regulatory requirements for standardized rent reporting
• Government-sponsored rent reporting programs for subsidized housing
• Financial institution incentives to offer rent reporting services
• Integration of rent payment data in mortgage qualification assessments

These initiatives aim to create pathways from renting to homeownership by ensuring responsible renters can demonstrate creditworthiness through their housing payment history.

Technology and Automation Advances

Rent reporting becomes increasingly automated and as technology improves. Emerging capabilities include:

• Automatic payment verification through bank account connections
• Real-time reporting that updates credit files within days of payment
• Integration with property management software for landlord-initiated reporting
• Blockchain-based verification systems that eliminate reporting delays

These advances reduce costs, increase accuracy, and make rent reporting accessible to more renters regardless of landlord cooperation or technical sophistication.

Industry Standardization

Credit bureaus increasingly standardize how they weight and process rental payment data. This standardization ensures that:

• Rent payments receive consistent treatment across scoring models
• Lenders can rely on rental data when making lending decisions
• Reporting formats remain consistent across different service providers
• Historical data portability improves when switching services

Survey data shows that over 80% of renters want their on-time rent payments factored into credit scores. This consumer demand drives continued industry evolution toward comprehensive rent reporting.

Integration with Financial Services

Rent reporting increasingly integrates with broader financial services. Platforms now combine rent payments with rewards programs, allowing renters to earn cashback while building credit. Future developments may include:

• Rent payment loans that help renters during temporary cash flow gaps
• Credit score tracking tied directly to rent payment platforms
• Automated financial coaching based on rent payment patterns
• Integration with mortgage services to the transition from renting to buying

Practical Steps to Start Building Credit Through Rent

Taking action on rent reporting requires research, preparation, and ongoing monitoring. Follow these steps to maximize credit building benefits while minimizing risks.

Assess Your Current Credit Situation

Before enrolling in rent reporting, understand your starting position:

1. Check your credit score through free services or your bank
2. Review your credit reports from both Equifax and TransUnion
3. Identify gaps in your credit profile (limited accounts, thin payment history, etc.)
4. Confirm you pay rent consistently on time with no late payments
5. Calculate the minimum credit score needed for your financial goals

This assessment determines whether rent reporting addresses your specific credit building needs or whether alternative strategies might work better.

Research Rent Reporting Services

Compare available rent reporting options based on:

• Monthly fees and setup costs
• Which credit bureaus receive your data (Equifax, TransUnion, or both)
• Whether historical rent payments can be reported retroactively
• Landlord cooperation requirements
• Service reviews and reputation
• Additional features like credit monitoring or financial education

Services that report to both major bureaus provide more comprehensive credit building but typically cost more than single-bureau reporting.

Prepare Required Documentation

Most rent reporting services require verification documentation including:

• Current lease agreement showing your name and rental amount
• Recent rent payment records (cancelled checks, bank statements, or receipts)
• Landlord contact information for verification purposes
• Proof of identity (driver's license or other government ID)
• Bank account information for automated payment verification

Gathering these documents before starting the enrollment process s setup and reduces delays in getting your payments reported.

Enroll and Monitor Progress

Once enrolled, active monitoring ensures you receive expected benefits:

1. Confirm your first reported payment appears on your credit report within 30 to 60 days
2. Track credit score changes monthly to measure impact
3. Verify all reported payments show as on-time with correct amounts
4. Address any reporting errors immediately with both the service and credit bureaus
5. Maintain documentation of all rent payments in case of disputes

Regular monitoring helps you catch and correct issues before they negatively impact your credit profile.

Combine With Other Credit Building Activities

Maximize credit improvements by pairing rent reporting with complementary strategies:

• Open a secured credit card if you don't have existing revolving credit
• Keep credit utilization below 30% on any credit cards
• Set up automatic payments to guarantee on-time payment across all accounts
• Avoid applying for multiple new credit accounts simultaneously
• Review your moving plans to ensure payment consistency during transitions

Diversified credit building creates a stronger credit profile faster than relying solely on rent reporting.

Understanding Rent Reporting Costs vs. Benefits

Evaluating whether rent reporting makes financial sense requires weighing tangible costs against potential credit score improvements and their downstream financial impacts.

Direct Costs of Rent Reporting

Rent reporting services typically charge:

• Monthly subscription fees: $5 to $20 per month ($60 to $240 annually)
• One-time setup fees: $0 to $50 depending on the service
• Historical reporting fees: some services charge extra to backdate payments
• Premium features: credit monitoring, score tracking, or financial coaching add costs

These expenses represent ongoing housing costs that don't exist without rent reporting. Budget accordingly and ensure consistent payment to avoid wasting fees on partial months.

Quantifying Credit Score Benefits

Credit score improvements translate into concrete financial advantages:

• Lower interest rates - A 50-point score increase can reduce mortgage interest rates by 0.25% to 0.5%, saving thousands over a loan term
• Better credit card terms - Higher scores qualify you for cards with better rewards and lower rates
• Increased approval odds - Landlords, employers, and lenders view stronger credit more favorably
• Reduced insurance premiums - Many insurers factor credit scores into rate calculations
• Security deposit waivers - Some landlords waive deposits for tenants with excellent credit

A single percentage point reduction in mortgage interest on a $400,000 home saves roughly $48,000 over a 25-year amortization. This dwarfs the $240 annual cost of comprehensive rent reporting.

Break-Even Analysis

Calculate your break-even point by comparing:

1. Total rent reporting costs over your expected rental period
2. Estimated credit score improvement based on your starting profile
3. Financial benefits of score improvement for your specific goals
4. Timeline to achieve those goals (homeownership, car loan, etc.)

For renters planning to buy homes within two to three years, rent reporting typically delivers strong positive returns. For those with no major credit needs on the horizon, free credit building alternatives may prove more cost-effective.

Hidden Benefits Beyond Credit Scores

Rent reporting provides advantages beyond measurable score improvements:

• Documented payment history useful for future landlord references
• Increased financial awareness and payment discipline
• Motivation to maintain consistent on-time payments
• Foundation for stronger banking relationships
• Sense of progress toward homeownership goals

These intangible benefits, while difficult to quantify, contribute to overall financial wellness and housing stability.

Common Questions About Rent and Credit Scores

Renters frequently ask specific questions about how rent affects credit scores in Canada. Addressing these clarifies misconceptions and helps with decision-making.

Does Paying Rent Late Hurt Credit Without Rent Reporting?

Late rent payments don't directly affect credit scores if you're not enrolled in rent reporting - your landlord doesn't report to credit bureaus. However, severe delinquency can indirectly damage credit through:

• Eviction proceedings that become public records
• Debt collection if unpaid rent goes to collections
• Legal judgments that appear on credit reports
• Difficulty qualifying for future rental applications

Rent reporting changes this dynamic - both on-time and late payments affect your credit score directly once reporting begins.

Can Landlords See My Credit Score?

Landlords can request your credit score and credit report during the application process with your permission. They see the same information lenders see, including:

• Current credit score
• Payment history across all accounts
• Outstanding debts and credit utilization
• Public records like bankruptcies or judgments
• Credit inquiries from other applications

This screening helps landlords assess payment reliability but doesn't contribute to your credit building.

Does Rent Reporting Work for Roommate Situations?

Rent reporting becomes complicated when multiple roommates share rent responsibility. Most services require:

• Your name on the lease agreement
• Documented proof of your portion of rent paid
• Separate reporting enrollment for each roommate

If one roommate pays the full rent to the landlord while others reimburse them, only the primary payer can typically report payments. Roommates should clarify reporting options before assuming shared rent builds everyone's credit.

How Quickly Does Reported Rent Appear on Credit Reports?

Rent reporting timelines vary by service provider and credit bureau:

• First reported payment typically appears within 30 to 60 days of enrollment
• Historical payments may process faster or slower depending on verification requirements
• Monthly updates usually post to credit files within 15 to 30 days of payment
• Credit score updates occur monthly as bureaus recalculate scores with new data

Check your credit report 60 days after enrollment to confirm reporting has started successfully.

What Happens If I Move to a New Apartment?

Moving doesn't stop rent reporting, but you need to update your service with new lease information:

1. Notify your rent reporting service about your move before it occurs
2. Provide new lease agreement and landlord information
3. Verify the service can continue reporting at your new address
4. Confirm no gap in reporting occurs during the transition

Your previously reported payment history remains on your credit file permanently. Only new payments from your new residence need setup.

Making the Right Decision for Your Credit Future

The question "does rent affect credit score in Canada" has evolved from a simple no to a nuanced maybe - if you take deliberate action. Traditional credit reporting ignores rent payments entirely, leaving millions of Canadian renters unable to demonstrate their financial responsibility through their largest monthly expense.

Rent reporting services bridge this gap by creating tradelines from rent payments, allowing credit bureaus to see payment history that would otherwise remain invisible. For the three million credit-invisible Canadians and seven million with thin credit files, this represents a genuine opportunity to establish or strengthen credit profiles.

The impact varies by individual circumstances. Renters with consistent on-time payment histories, stable housing situations, and clear credit building goals typically benefit most from rent reporting. Those with irregular payments, short-term rental plans, or already-strong credit profiles may find limited value relative to costs.

Successful credit building requires more than rent reporting alone. Combine reported rent with responsible credit card use, diverse credit types, and consistent financial management across all accounts. Monitor your credit regularly to track progress and catch errors early.

The Canadian credit continues evolving with government support, industry standardization, and technological innovation making rent reporting more accessible and effective. Whether through dedicated reporting services or integrated financial platforms like Neobanc that combine payments with credit building, renters now have options that didn't exist years ago.

Evaluate your current credit situation, research available services, understand both benefits and risks, and make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals. Rent represents your largest expense - with the right tools, it can finally become your largest credit building opportunity.

For more information about managing your rental finances and building credit through everyday payments, explore our comprehensive guides on renting in Canada and discover how cashback opportunities can complement your credit building strategy.