June 14, 2021

Check Out This Fast and Easy Way to Build Your Credit

If you’re looking for ways to increase your credit score, we have an easy answer for you: paying rent online! A 2017 TransUnion study of 12,000 renters found that renters’ scores rose an average of 16 points within six months, and the benefit was greatest for those who started with a credit score below 620.

So, try paying your rent online and see what it does to your credit score! Paying online ensures your payments are reported, shows credit bureaus what they are looking for, and can combine with credit card payments to increase your score even more. Here’s how.

Send Your Payments to Credit Bureaus

Paying rent is a pretty simple way to increase your credit score! But how does it work?

“Simply paying your rent will not help you build credit,” says Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet. “But reporting your rent payments can help you build credit—especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it.”

Okay, so you have to make sure your payments are recorded. But how? At The Crossings at Chino Hills , our online rental payment system reports information to the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus then receive a record of your on-time rental payments, contributing to your good credit.

Beef Up Your Payment History

When looking for ways to increase your credit score, it’s important to consider what actually goes into it. Here’s how Experian determines credit scores :

  • Use of credit cards
  • Payment history
  • Applications for new loans and credit

As you pay rent online, those payments become part of your payment history, and that becomes part of your score. Easy!

Boost Your Score Even More

To take this credit-score-boosting to the next level, consider using a credit card specifically to pay your rent.

“Open a credit card and use it to pay your rent . . . then pay your credit card balance in full each month,” says LaToya Irby, credit expert for The Balance. “The timely credit card payments will help boost your credit score.”

You don’t have to pay your rent with a credit card, but it can be an extra boost to your credit score in combination with the benefits of paying your rent online.

If you’ve been looking for ways to boost your credit score, try paying your rent online through the resident portal . As you do so, your payments are reported to credit bureaus, showing them exactly what they are looking for. And if you choose to pay rent with a credit card, you may increase your score even more. We wish you credit score success!

Apartment Features That Make Daily Life Easier, From In-Home Laundry to Smart Thermostats

May 22, 2026
Discover apartment features that make daily life easier at The Crossings of Chino Hills, from in-home washers and dryers to smart thermostats, and more.

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at The Crossings of Chino Hills

May 21, 2026
At  The Crossings of Chino Hills  , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us. 1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs: Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card. Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow. Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime. 2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinata Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata. How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.) 3. More Ways the App Helps You Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Chino Hills community. You can: Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs. Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details. Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents. At  The Crossings of Chino Hills  , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.

You’re Invited: Pet-Friendly Open House at The Crossings of Chino Hills 🐾

January 9, 2026
Looking for pet-friendly apartments in Chino Hills, CA that truly welcome both you and your furry family members? Join us for a special Pet-Friendly Open House at The Crossings of Chino Hills on the 18th from 2:00–5:00 PM, featuring a fun local partnership with Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming – Chino Hills.