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Credit-builder loans that help you build credit history while saving money. No credit check required. Reports to all 3 bureaus.
Data compiled from public sources
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Self (formerly Self Lender) is an Austin, Texas-based fintech founded in 2015 that helps people build or rebuild credit through credit-builder loans. The concept is simple: you take out a small loan ($25-$150/month for 12-24 months), the money goes into a certificate of deposit (CD), and Self reports your payments to all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
When the loan term ends, you get the money back (minus fees and interest). So you're essentially saving money while building credit history. There's eligibility claim to verify to apply, making this profiled for people with no credit or bad credit who can't qualify for traditional credit products.
Self also offers a secured Visa credit card (Self Visa) that uses your CD savings as collateral — no additional deposit needed. This gives you both installment loan and revolving credit history, which is what FICO scores want to see.
Pricing starts at $25/month for a 24-month plan ($600 total, you get ~$545 back after fees). The $150/month plan builds credit faster and results in a larger savings payout. Self charges a one-time admin fee ($9-$15) plus interest on the credit-builder loan.
Self reports that customers see an average credit score increase of 49 points after 3 months of on-time payments. The company has helped over 1 million people build credit and maintains a 4.5/5 rating on the App Store.
Secured credit cards are one of several tools in the credit-building toolkit. Consumers may also consider credit builder loans, which report positive payment history to all three bureaus while building savings, or rent reporting services that add on-time rent payments to credit reports. For those dealing with existing negative items, credit repair services can help dispute inaccuracies that drag down scores. Credit monitoring helps track progress over time, and personal loans for bad credit become accessible as scores improve. Many credit rebuilders find that combining a secured card with other strategies — monitoring, disputes, and responsible borrowing — produces faster results.
This is state-level context for Fintech consumers in Austin, TX. It does not confirm that Self or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Self offers 6 services including Credit-builder installment loans, Secured Visa credit card, Reports to all 3 credit bureaus, Free credit score monitoring, No credit check required, and 1 more.
Self has profile signals associated with People with no credit comparing ways to build history from scratch, Consumers comparing savings-linked credit-building features, Consumers who can't qualify for a traditional secured credit card, People who want both installment loan and revolving credit on their report.
Key strengths: eligibility claim to verify — review provider eligibility criteria; Reports to all 3 bureaus (most competitors do 1-2); You get your money back at end of term. Areas to consider: You pay interest on the credit-builder loan; $9-15 one-time admin fee.
In the Fintech category, comparable providers include Chime, Discover it Secured Credit Card, OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
Self operates nationwide across all 50 states.
Self holds a F rating with the Better Business Bureau but is not BBB-accredited.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Self is unique — it's a credit-builder loan that doubles as a savings plan. You pay monthly, it reports to all 3 bureaus, and you get the money back when the term ends. Add the Self Visa card for revolving credit history too. profile signals for people starting from zero credit who want a disciplined savings and credit-building combo. Not a quick fix — takes 3-24 months.
Fee-free online bank with early direct deposit, SpotMe overdraft protection, and a secured Credit Builder card that reports to all 3 bureaus. eligibility claim to verify, no minimum balance.
Profile signals: Consumers denied by traditional banks due to ChexSystems flags or thin credit files, People rebuilding credit who want a secured card that reports to all 3 bureaus with eligibility claim to verify
Secured credit card with 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter) and 1% on everything else. No annual fee. Reports to all 3 bureaus. Automatic graduation review at 8 months.
Profile signals: Consumers with fair credit (550-650) who want to rebuild while earning rewards, People who want a secured card that will automatically upgrade to unsecured
Secured Visa credit card with eligibility claim to verify and 87% approval rate. No bank account required. Reports to all 3 bureaus. Issued by Capital Bank, N.A. (FDIC insured).
Profile signals: People with no credit history who need to build credit from scratch, Consumers rebuilding credit after bankruptcy, collections, or charge-offs
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