Build credit by paying your existing subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.) through a virtual Mastercard that reports to all 3 bureaus.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Grow Credit is a Los Angeles-based fintech founded in 2019 that turns your existing subscription payments into credit-building activity. The concept: Grow Credit gives you a virtual Mastercard, you use it to pay subscriptions you already have (Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+, etc.), and Grow Credit reports those payments to all three credit bureaus.
The free plan covers one subscription up to $10/month. Paid plans ($4.99-$9.99/month) cover multiple subscriptions and higher amounts, plus add features like credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
This is ideal for people who pay for streaming services anyway — Grow Credit just makes sure those payments count toward your credit score. There's no credit check to apply, no interest, and no deposit required.
Grow Credit reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion as a revolving credit account. The company claims users can see credit score improvements within 3-6 months of consistent on-time payments.
The main limitation is that it only works with subscription services — you can't use it for rent, utilities, or other bills (though some competitors offer that). But for someone with no credit or thin credit who already pays for Netflix and Spotify, it's essentially free credit building on the basic plan.
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Yes. Grow Credit is a registered company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, founded in 2019. They hold a rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Grow Credit plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.
Results vary by service type.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Ideal for Consumers looking for financial services. Strength: Free plan available — build credit for $0. Watch out for: Only works with subscription services.
Building Block Capital provides small business loans and equipment financing from $5,000 to $5,000,000 with same-day quotes and next-day funding for businesses nationwide.
Best for: Small business owners who need capital quickly and cannot wait for traditional bank loan approval timelines, Businesses with limited credit history or previous credit challenges seeking alternative lenders
ACE Cash Express is a licensed payday lender offering $100–$255 short-term loans in California with same-day or next-business-day funding via online and 100+ in-store locations.
Best for: Consumers needing $100–$255 within 24 hours for genuine emergencies with immediate payday income, California residents with poor credit or thin credit files ineligible for traditional bank loans
Banc of California specializes in commercial real estate lending with loans from $3M-$35M+ for income-producing properties including multifamily, office, retail, and industrial assets.
Best for: Commercial real estate investors and developers with projects requiring $3M-$35M+ in financing, Multifamily apartment complex owners seeking bridge or permanent financing
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
A 3-digit number (300-850) that summarizes how reliably you've handled borrowed money. Higher scores mean lower risk to lenders and better loan terms for you.
Your credit score determines whether you get approved and at what rate. A 100-point difference can mean thousands of dollars more or less in interest over a loan's life.
Example
On a $250,000 30-year mortgage: a 760 score gets you 6.2% ($1,536/month). A 660 score gets 7.4% ($1,729/month). Over 30 years, the lower score costs you $69,480 more.
The percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. If you have $10,000 in credit limits and owe $3,000, your utilization is 30%.
Utilization is the second-biggest factor in your credit score (after payment history). Keeping it below 30% helps your score; below 10% is ideal.
Example
You have 3 cards with a $15,000 total limit. You're carrying $4,500 in balances (30% utilization). Paying down to $1,500 (10% utilization) could boost your score by 20-50 points.
The variety of credit accounts you have — credit cards (revolving), auto loans (installment), mortgage, student loans, etc. Having multiple types shows you can manage different kinds of debt.
Credit mix accounts for about 10% of your FICO score. Having only credit cards isn't as strong as having a card, an installment loan, and a mortgage.
Example
Borrower A has 3 credit cards. Borrower B has 2 credit cards, a car loan, and a student loan. Even with the same payment history and utilization, Borrower B's score is typically higher.
The maximum amount a credit card company allows you to borrow on a single card. Going over this limit can trigger fees and hurt your credit score.
Your credit limit directly affects your utilization ratio. A higher limit with the same spending means lower utilization and a better score. You can request limit increases.
Example
Card A: $3,000 limit, you spend $1,500 = 50% utilization (bad). Card B: $10,000 limit, you spend $1,500 = 15% utilization (good). Same spending, different impact on your score.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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