StellarFi Review: Pay Your Bills and Boost Your Credit Score

Here at MoneyFor, our goal is to help you make informed financial decisions. We are committed to accuracy and impartiality in all our content. It’s important to note that articles may reference products from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we feature and their presentation on our site, not our evaluation.

Key takeaways

StellarFi allows users to boost their credit score by reporting regular bill payments including rent, utilities, and phone bills to all three major credit bureaus.
Consumers can easily link their monthly bills and automate payments making it a good place to begin building credit.
StellarFi is an effective tool to raise scores without taking on debt but it does cost money. Evaluate the cost and see if the benefits are worth the price.

Like it or not, your credit score matters, which you probably know if you’ve ever applied for a credit card or taken out a loan. The trouble is, you have to have credit to get credit. So if your credit is poor or limited, it’s not so easy to bring it up to the good credit range.

That’s where StellarFi comes in. StellarFi is a public benefit corporation dedicated to improving people’s access to credit. Their unique solution: get credit for the bills you already pay. Let’s explore how they do this and if they’re the solution you need.

What is StellarFi?

StellarFi is a mission-driven company with a clear goal: to disrupt the cycle of poverty by providing access to credit for the millions of Americans who have poor or no credit history. The company achieves this by reporting regular monthly bill payments—such as rent, gym memberships, phone bills, and streaming services—to the three major credit bureaus. This innovative approach ensures that individuals receive credit for the bills they already pay, transforming routine expenses into opportunities for credit building.

Importantly, StellarFi eliminates common barriers to credit access: there are no minimum income requirements, credit checks, interest charges, or deposits required. By removing these obstacles, StellarFi makes credit building accessible to everyone, offering a practical solution for those striving to improve their financial future. With its inclusive and supportive framework, StellarFi is dedicated to helping people achieve financial stability and break free from the constraints of a poor credit score.

Build credit with every bill you pay!

Easily build credit. No hidden fees. No security deposit. No credit check.

Open an Account

Open an Account

StellarFi 5 Stars Rating Guaranteed! Awesome Services!

“StellarFi helped me to report subscriptions that other credit builder company don’t report to the credit bureaus! They provide a virtual card to replace your payment method so the payments can be reported to the credit bureaus. Also, no hidden fees, or additional costs with a supporting team that will help you through the whole process. I love that. Thank you StellarFi.” Ezra Brenes

How does StellarFi work?

StellarFi is easy to set up and use. You don’t have to put down a security deposit, go through a credit check, or even an application. You can get started in about three minutes.

Connect your checking account

Add your monthly bills

Pay your bills and build credit

Connect the bank account you normally use to pay your bills with StellarFi. You don’t have to pay all your bills with StellarFi. Choose the ones you want and link them in the dashboard. When the bill is due, StellarFi will notify you and check to see if you have enough in your bank account to cover it. If you do, it will pay your bill on your behalf and immediately debit the amount from your checking account. This way you’ll never overdraft or forget about a bill. StellarFi then reports your payments to the credit bureaus thus helping you establish a positive payment history and improve your credit. The process is unique because you get to build credit for bills you already pay.

What do you need to get started?

StellarFi’s goal is to be accessible so you don’t need much to join. You must be:

18 years old or older
a U.S. resident
have a Social Security Number

You may be asked to supply additional documentation to verify your identity including a state-issued ID/Drivers License, a Social Security Card, and/or utility bill. It usually takes under three minutes to set up an account.

Do you have a poor credit score but want access to credit?

Check out the best second chance cards – no deposit required.

Is StellarFi safe to use?

Security is always a concern when your personal financial information comes into play. StellarFi ensures your safety by employing advanced security protocols and bank-grade encryption to safeguard all data. The service takes it a step further by not storing your financial information. Instead, it keeps random digital tokens to represent your account at your financial institution. You also use a StellarFi virtual card to pay your bills, which further protects your privacy and safeguards your data.

StellarFi is Stellar

“I just love this program. The Accuracy of paying my bills and taking it out of my account but most of all reporting it credit agencies.” Tamika Russell

Are there any fees?

Every financial service comes at a cost and StellarFi is no exception. StellarFi offers three membership options.

Lite $4.99/mo – covers less than $500 in monthly bills

Prime $9.99/mo – covers up to $25k in monthly bills

Premium $19.99/mo (coming soon) – covers all bills and get bill pay flexibility

Who is StellarFi credit builder for?

StellarFi’s credit builder service is for anyone who needs to build or rebuild credit. It is a good place to begin if you’re just starting out and are looking for an easy way to establish credit. Or if you’ve had issues in the past and need to rebuild your credit. It’s an innovative credit-building alternative if you don’t want to use traditional credit-building products like credit cards, secured cards, or credit builder loans.

Not only do you get credit-building tools with StellarFi, but you also have access to one-on-one credit counseling with a certified credit counselor. This is possible through StellarFi’s partnership with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). NFCC is committed to helping Americans learn more about credit, improve their financial literacy, and gain control of their finances.

Pros and cons of StellarFi

Pros

Reports to all three credit bureaus
Free access to your credit report and score
Can improve your credit score within the first few months
You get access to a credit coach for personalized advice
You can get a 30-day free trial to see if it works for you
You can start or cancel the service at any time
No hidden fees, deposits, or interest charges

Cons

No retroactive reporting
No free plan
Missing payments on bills can hurt your credit score
Limited customer service availability

We make credit radically accessible!

Pay your monthly bills and improve your score. No deposit – No interest – No debt. No barriers to people who need it most.

Get Started

Is StellarFi legit?

StellarFi is a legitimate financial platform, offering services designed to help users build and improve their credit scores by reporting on-time payment activities to major credit bureaus. The platform operates with transparency, emphasizing no hidden fees or overdraft charges, and employs robust security measures to protect user data. StellarFi is backed by a team of professionals with experience in the financial technology sector, and it engages actively with its user community through various support channels. User reviews and testimonials generally reflect positive experiences, further indicating the platform’s reliability. As with any financial service, potential users should conduct their research and review the latest information to make informed decisions.

Frequently asked questions

1. How does StellarFi show up on a credit report?

StellarFi reports your payment activities to the major credit bureaus, typically showing up as a revolving line of credit on your credit report, similar to a credit card. StellarFi will report your total bill payment each month. This will then be compared to your limit to calculate your credit utilization ratio. This means that StellarFi helps you build credit through both timely payments and by lowering your credit utilization ratio.

2. How does StellarFi increase my credit score?

StellarFi increases your credit score by reporting your on-time payment activities to major credit bureaus and by giving you a higher credit limit. A higher credit limit allows you to keep your credit utilization low, which will benefit your score. Furthermore, by consistently paying bills on time, you will establish a positive payment history boosting your score. StellarFi helps by reporting monthly bills that are normally not reported to the credit bureaus, helping to build a solid credit history and improve your credit score over time.

3. Does StellarFi do a hard credit inquiry?

StellarFi does not perform a hard credit inquiry. All you need to set up StellarFi is your Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). These numbers allow StellarFi to report your payments to the credit bureaus. You can set up StellarFi without any negative impact on your score. Always check their latest policies for any updates regarding credit inquiries.

4. Does StellarFi charge overdraft or other hidden fees?

StellarFi does not charge overdrafts or hidden fees, assuming the linked bank account has sufficient funds. Check with your bank, as you may receive an overdraft fee from them. StellarFi offers a transparent fee structure that ensures that users are aware of all costs upfront, avoiding unexpected charges. This approach helps users manage their finances more effectively without the worry of incurring additional, unforeseen expenses. Always review the latest terms for any updates to their fee policies.

5. How do I cancel StellarFi?

To cancel your StellarFi account, log in to your account and navigate to the settings or account management section. Follow the prompts to initiate the cancellation process. If you encounter any issues, contact StellarFi customer support for assistance. Be sure to confirm any final steps to ensure your account is fully canceled and no further charges are incurred.

If you don’t want to fully cancel, you can always pause your account. Pausing your account keeps your line open and prevents an account closure from appearing on your credit report, dinging your score. A paused account will no longer report monthly payments so it won’t help your score either.

6. How to contact StellarFi customer service.

To contact StellarFi customer service, you can email at support@stellarfi.com or reach out through their official website by accessing the “Contact Us” or “Support” section. They typically offer support via email and live chat. Additionally, you can check their FAQ section for quick answers to common questions. For immediate assistance, visiting their support page provides the most direct contact options.

Bottom line

StellarFi understands how important a good credit score is for financial success and is dedicated to helping people achieve it. The platform recognizes that a strong credit profile can unlock numerous financial opportunities, such as lower interest rates on loans, better credit card offers, and even favorable terms on rental agreements. With StellarFi, the monthly cost is minimal, making it an affordable option for many. Additionally, the inclusion of credit counseling services significantly increases the value of the platform, offering users personalized advice and strategies to manage and improve their credit health.

For individuals without a credit history or those struggling with a poor credit score, StellarFi offers a practical solution to build or rebuild their credit. By simply paying bills—something most people already do regularly—users can have these payments reported to major credit bureaus. This reporting helps establish a positive credit history over time, demonstrating responsible financial behavior to potential lenders. StellarFi’s approach leverages everyday financial activities to create and enhance credit profiles, making the process of credit building accessible and straightforward. With its focus on affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive support, StellarFi provides a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their financial standing through better credit management.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card issued by Choice Financial Group, and the Current Visa® secured charge card issued by Cross River Bank, are both pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC

6. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

7. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

8. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.

9. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

10. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

11. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.

12. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

13. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

14. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

15. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

16. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

17. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

18. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

19. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

20. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

21. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

22. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

23. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

24. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

25. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

26. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

27. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

28. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

29. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

30. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

31. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

32. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

33. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

34. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

35. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

36. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

37. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

38. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.

StellarFi Review: Pay Your Bills and Boost Your Credit Score

Key takeaways

Jump to: