Best companies to buy tradelines and help build your credit

Advertiser Disclosure

by Aidan Kang, CFA

Senior Writer

Credit Repair

UPDATED: September 18, 2022

Do you have bad credit or no credit at all? If you want to improve your credit scores, it’s normal to want to exhaust every means possible, and you’ve probably heard about tradelines.

So how does a tradeline work?

A tradeline involves piggybacking on someone else's credit history to help improve yours. Tradelines can affect your financial opportunities, so it’s only proper to understand first how they work and which one is the best for your needs.

We've looked into the best tradeline companies that help build credit, checked their official sites, and read dozens of reviews from real users through independent sites.

Keep on reading to learn about our best tip for using a tradeline to build your credit. Don’t skip the list and do all the wrong things when using tradelines to build credit.

What are the best tradeline companies?

You can benefit from purchasing tradelines because you’ll be added as an authorized user of someone with a positive credit history. Also, seasoned tradelines, open for at least two years, can help increase your credit score within a month.

So what are the tradeline websites you should check?

1. Tradeline Supply

Best for people who want cheap tradelines

The first on our list is Tradeline Supply. It was founded in 2017 with the mission of promoting equal credit opportunity. The platform offers a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can buy and sell tradelines. 

We also discovered that it’s one of the first companies in this industry to have an online system.

According to the website, you need to prepare the following before purchasing:

• Driver’s license
• Social Security Card
• Routing number
• Account number of checking account

Here’s how to buy from the company:

1. Click “My Account” to create your profile.
2. Tap “Buy Tradelines” on the menu, then scroll to see the available tradelines.
3. Add the tradeline you prefer to your cart.
4. Click the cart icon, then select “Checkout.”
5. Electronically sign some paperwork, then enter your personal information.
6. Upload copies of your driver’s license and Social Security Card.
7. Type the routing and account number of your checking account.

After finishing the steps, you’ll see a “Submit Order” button to complete your purchase.

We checked the website’s tradeline list and discovered that you can buy one for $247.50, which was opened in April 2019 or more than two years ago. But if you want an older one, you must pay $1,237.50. The card was opened in March 2007.

The company also has on-going offers.

We also compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide if you should try Tradeline Supply.

2. BoostCredit 101

Best for those willing to spend more money buying authorized user tradelines

BoostCredit 101 is a Colorado-based company that offers authorized user tradelines. Since the website has no “About Us” page, we didn’t find other details about the company. 

Still, it has a 4.9 rating on Google and 5-star rating on Facebook. Also, several reviewers said that the platform has helped them improve their credit.

Here’s how to purchase from the company:

1. Go to the website, then click “Buy Tradelines.”
2. Choose from the available tradelines.
3. You can use filters for the price, lender, limit, age, statement day, and posting date.
4. Click add once you’ve selected what you want to purchase.

On the next page, provide information, such as:

• Name
• Gender
• Marriage status
• Citizenship
• Home address
• Phone number
• Email

On the next page, the company will inform you that your order has been placed. You’ll get a copy of your client agreement within one hour. The website will also remind you to check your email’s spam folder.

You can buy tradelines for less than $200. For example, we found one priced at $138.13 but has only been open for eight months and has a limit of $2,000. 

You can also get one that has been existing for 8 years 11 months and has a limit of $21,000. However, you need to pay more than $1,000.

Here are the pros and cons of BoostCredit 101:

3. CreditPro

Best for those who wish to become tradeline resellers

CreditPro is a California-based company that offers tradeline credit repair. It started in 2007, and according to its website, it has worked with thousands of credit reports due to its focus on mortgage applications. 

CreditPro also helps clients improve their FICO score, which most lenders use when making decisions.

Take note that the company is a wholesaler. It means you’ll sign up to purchase tradelines for resale. You can also call them at 1-888-822-0082 to join the program.

Here’s how to register as a reseller:

1. Click “Reseller Sign up” under “Services.”
2. Provide your full name, company name, mobile phone, email address, username, and password.
3. Tap the “Sign Up” button.

CreditPro provides pricing examples, starting at $250 for a one-year-old account with a $12,500 limit. The most expensive one was priced at $1,395, which is a two-year-old account with a $58,000 credit limit.

According to the company, you can get 20% off on tradelines if you maintain a minimum monthly average. For example, you can buy the cheapest tradeline for $200 instead of $250. 

Here’s a table of pros and cons to help you decide if CreditPro’s for you.

4. Priority Tradelines

Best for those who prefer to buy credit tradelines with extensive history

Priority Tradelines has been assisting clients in increasing their credit scores since 2016. It’s been owned by Robert Hughes, a credit specialist and financial counselor, for over a decade. 

The website also shows testimonials and photographs from people who have purchased properties through Priority Tradelines’ help. 

Here’s how you can buy authorized tradelines from the company:

1. Click “Buy Tradelines” on the top menu.
2. Sort the list to choose among the available tradelines.
3. Check the box of your chosen tradeline, then scroll down to see the order form.

The first part of the form asks the following questions:

1. Are you a broker?
2. How did you know about Priority Tradelines?

The second part of the order form requires your personal information, such as:

• Name
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Birthdate
• Home address
• Credit monitoring account
• Credit monitoring credentials

You must also remove all fraud alerts and security freezes on your account and provide your electronic signature.

Priority Tradelines mainly accepts Zelle payments, but you can also pay through credit cards and checks. But the company collects a 3% processing fee if your mode of payment is a credit card.

After paying, you need to upload your driver’s license and Social Security card. According to the website, it approves applications within 48 hours, so expect an email within that period.

So how much are tradelines from the company?

The pricing starts at $250 for a two-year-old account with a $10,000 credit limit. The most expensive one costs $1,300 for an account opened for more than 30 years with a $16,900 limit. 

You can check out the company’s pros and cons in the table below.

5. Superior Tradelines

Best for those who want one-on-one consultation

Superior Tradelines has 10 years of experience in credit improvement. The company offers a one-on-one consultation to evaluate your goals and review your current credit situation. We liked that the website has a detailed guide about purchasing tradelines. 

You need to sign up before accessing the list of available accounts.

1. Click “Login,” then type your full name, email address, and phone number.
2. Check your email address for the login credentials.

The website will redirect you to the dashboard after logging in, where you’ll be required to upload a three-bureau credit report.

Here are the other documents you need to provide:

• SSN card
• Driver’s license or state-issued ID
• Proof of address

You can see the available accounts by clicking “Tradelines for Sale” on the top menu. It’s not publicly available because the site only shows it to you after completing your profile.

Unlike the previous companies, Superior Tradelines’ pricing starts at $700. The said account was opened in 2016 with a credit limit of $25,000. But you can buy their most pricey tradeline at $1,500, which is almost the same as the other platforms’ offers.

Interestingly, the company lists an account opened in 1987 with a $35,000 credit limit. You can buy it for $1,075.

Here’s what you need to consider before trying Superior Tradelines:

So if you want to improve your credit, you can look into Tradeline Supply, BoostCredit 101, CreditPro, Priority Tradelines, and Superior Tradelines.

Do tradelines still work in 2022?

Tradelines aren’t for everybody. We listed some reasons why you might need a tradeline.

Helps in credit card and loan approval

Credit unions and lenders check your credit score to decide if they’ll grant your application. So if you have a score of 700, they’ll consider it to be good, so you have better chances at getting a loan. 

But what if your score is in the lower bracket? You can fix it by adding a good-standing account to your credit report.

But how fast do tradelines work?

It can reflect on your account within 45 to 90 days, so you can expect it to improve your credit report within the said period.

Lowers interest rates

If your score is 740 or higher, you can qualify for low-interest rates, and one way to be eligible for it is to buy tradelines. It’s because companies want to lend their money to people with a record of paying their debts on time.

Helps in finding good apartments

Like lenders, landlords review your credit score to decide if you’re qualified to rent their property. They would want to lease their house or apartment to someone who pays without delay.

Hence, a negative credit report can lessen your chances of getting a suitable apartment. You can mend this problem by adding another account to your file—one with a good credit history.

Increases employment opportunities

Although employers can’t see your credit score, they can run a credit check to know if you’re a responsible individual. 

Here’s an example from financial expert John Ulzheimer: companies wouldn’t want to hire someone in the accounting department who can’t manage obligations.

Better car insurance rates

According to most insurance companies, a bad credit score indicates that a person tends to file more claims. As a result, they’ll charge higher rates.

A recent study showed that insurers collect $550 more from people with poor credit.

So if you’re asking, “Is buying a tradeline worth it?” The answer’s yes because it can help you purchase or rent lower-priced properties. It also provides you with more employment opportunities.

Is it legal to use a tradeline to build your credit score?

Adding tradelines is legal, but most people still ask, “Are tradeline companies legit?”

First, there’s no law prohibiting its use. So if there’s no legislation against an act, it’s not considered punishable.

Second, it’s a form of credit repair which doesn’t give rise to criminal activities. But we also recognize that tradelines can pose security issues due to the sensitive information that companies ask for.

Third, it’s a recognized and widespread practice in the industry. The companies we mentioned have been around for over a decade, which is a testament to their legitimacy.

What makes a good tradeline company?

You would want to transact with a reputable tradeline company to increase your chances of improving your credit score. Here are the factors to consider when choosing a platform:

Company reputation

How long has the company been in operation? It’s safer to purchase tradelines from reputable businesses than those only new in the industry. You can also look for awards they received to know if they can really help improve your credit.

Reviews

Look into online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends. If tradeline companies have helped people rebuild their credit score, then they’ll willingly put a positive review regarding their experience. You can search on Google, independent review sites, and forums.

Credit limit

Here’s the best tip for using a tradeline to build your credit: search for companies that offer accounts with high credit limits. 

For example, we found accounts with more than $50,000 limit. There are also those with a $25,000 limit if that’s what your credit report needs.  

Customer support

Most tradeline companies have a dedicated FAQ page, but you might still have questions. That’s why you need a responsive support team that will provide all answers to your queries.

It also ensures that you can quickly fix any problems that may arise while engaging their services.

Offered tradelines

Take the time to communicate with their consultants if your chosen company offers such. It’s also important to review their offered tradelines and decide whether the accounts suit your needs.

Some individuals might need accounts with high credit limits. But some people might prioritize another factor: timeframe, which is the length of time you’ll be allowed as an authorized user in someone’s credit.

How long do tradelines last?

Tradelines can stay on your credit report for 10 years. But accounts with negative remarks can reflect on your file for up to seven years, even after closing the tradelines.

It’s one of the factors you must consider when purchasing tradelines because the tradelines’ late payments may also show on your report.

How to add tradelines to your credit?

Here are four ways to add tradelines:

1. Ask family members with good credit standing if it’s alright to add you as an authorized user.
2. You can also request additional tradelines to your account by signing up on Experian Boost. It allows your streaming and utility payments to be added to your Experian credit score. 
3. You can also add your rent as a tradeline to your credit file.
4. The fourth way involves tradeline companies, which we already discussed.

What are alternatives to tradeline companies?

Instead of buying tradelines, you can build your credit score by doing the following:

• Pay bills on time
• Keep spending below 30% of your card’s limit
• Keep old accounts open and maintain good standing

These are traditional and time-tested ways to improve your credit standing.

Do you need to buy tradelines?

Not everyone needs tradelines, but if you want to improve your credit score quickly, you should consider adding them to your accounts.

Most companies offer reasonable prices, which can help you purchase properties, rent apartments, and get hired.

But make sure to look into the company’s reputation, customer reviews, and other essential factors of a good tradeline company.

Aidan Kang, CFA

Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.