Boost Credit 101 is a Denver-based credit-building service that has operated since 2013, positioning itself as an established player in the authorized user tradeline industry. The company claims to have served over 10,000 clients and maintains an A-rating on Google, with testimonials highlighting responsive customer service and on-time posting performance.
The core service involves adding clients as authorized users to seasoned credit card accounts held by third-party cardholders. According to their marketing, these tradelines can improve credit profiles by adding account age, reducing credit utilization ratios, and introducing on-time payment history. The company claims tradelines can post in as little as 2 weeks, with an average timeline of 30 days to at least 2 of 3 credit bureaus. They offer a free consultation, sign a legal contract, reserve specific tradelines, have cardholders add the client as an authorized user, monitor posting, and review results—all within a six-step process.
Boost Credit 101 differentiates through claimed vetting of cardholders, a posted 100% refund policy, a guarantee that tradelines post to at least 2 of 3 bureaus within 60 days, ongoing consultant support, and available discounts for multiple purchases. Named consultants (Gene, Elliot) are highlighted in client reviews, suggesting personalized service rather than automated handling. The company operates Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM MT, with phone support at (800) 515-6590.
However, authorized user tradelines exist in a gray area legally and ethically. While not explicitly illegal, the practice is controversial: credit reporting agencies have tightened detection of "seasoned tradelines," the FTC has cautioned consumers, and some cardholders may not fully disclose this practice to their credit card issuers (which could violate card agreements). The "perfect payment history" added to reports belongs to another person, not the client. No independent verification of posting guarantees, refund rates, or cardholder vetting quality is available on the website. Client reviews are self-selected and may not represent average outcomes.
For consumers building or rebuilding credit, the landscape includes several complementary tools. Secured credit cards require a deposit but report to all three bureaus, establishing payment history. Credit builder loans work similarly, holding funds in a savings account while you make payments. Rent reporting services can add on-time housing payments to credit files. For those with damaged credit, credit repair services address inaccurate negative items, while credit monitoring services track progress over time. Consumers with existing debt may benefit from debt consolidation loans to simplify payments and reduce utilization. A small installment loan with on-time payments reported to all three bureaus is one of the most effective ways to build a credit history from scratch.