How to Choose the Right Tradeline: 7 Things to Check

Not all tradelines are equal. Before you buy, check these seven things.

1. Payment history

Only consider accounts with a perfect payment history. One late payment can work against you.

2. Account age

Older is better for your average account age. Compare the age of the tradeline with the age of your own accounts.

3. Credit limit

A higher limit adds more available credit and helps your utilization more.

4. Reported balance

The card should report a low balance. Ours stay at 10% or lower utilization.

5. Which bureaus it reports to

Make sure it reports to the bureaus that matter for what you’re applying for. Most major issuers report to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

6. Posting guarantee

What happens if it doesn’t post? Look for a clear replacement or refund policy. We guarantee posting in the next reporting period.

7. Terms and cost

Is it a one-time fee or month to month? Can you cancel anytime? Tradeline Tribe plans are month to month and you can cancel whenever you want.

Match the tradeline to your goal

• Thin file: prioritize age and payment history.
• High utilization: prioritize a high limit with a low balance.
• Big application coming up: time it so the tradeline posts first.

Browse available tradelines and compare them side by side.