June 4, 2021

Wondering How to Increase Your Credit Score? Pay Rent Online!

Did you know that you can increase your credit score by paying rent online? In 2017, TransUnion studied 12,000 renters who reported their rent payments to credit bureaus over the course of a year. The study found that renters’ scores rose an average of 16 points within six months, and the benefit was greatest for those who started with a credit score below 620.

Paying rent online can be one of the easiest ways to increase your credit score! Let’s take a closer look at how this works.

Ensures Your Payments Are Reported

Paying rent online increases your credit score because it allows each of your monthly rent payments to be 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 Lakewood Manor Apartments , we offer an online rental payment system that reports information to the credit bureaus. That way, credit bureaus receive a record of your on-time rental payments, which contributes to your good credit. This online payment system is conveniently available through the resident portal .

Shows Credit Bureaus What They Are Looking For

When you pay your rent online, it will also allow credit bureaus to receive all the information they need to boost your credit. 

Your credit score is determined by a few key factors. Experian , for example, determines credit scores through the following:

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

Your online rent will be recorded and added to your payment history. This way, when your rent is paid on time and in full, your payment history will improve! This is just what credit bureaus are looking for.

Combines with Credit Card Payments for Higher Score Gains

Online rent will also allow you to pay in a way that in-person payments can not. When rent is paid online, a credit card can be used to make the payments! This way, you have another opportunity to increase your credit score and gain additional benefits while paying your rent.

These small changes in the way you pay rent can make a big difference in your credit score. As you pay rent online, your payments are recorded so that they can contribute to your payment history. These payments can also be made with a credit card, increasing your credit score even more! Lakewood Manor Apartments wishes you the best of luck in increasing your credit—and if you live with us, it’s never been easier.

April 15, 2026
At  Lakewood Manor 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 Lakewood 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  Lakewood Manor 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.
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