Zillow Group today introduced CreditClimb, a new service that lets renters report their on‑time rent payments to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for an annual fee of $20. The platform, powered by Esusu’s rent‑reporting technology, also provides users with real‑time credit score monitoring and the ability to add up to two years of past rent payments to their credit file.
The launch addresses a clear market gap: nearly 87% of renters do not have their rent payments reflected in credit reports. Programs similar to CreditClimb have lifted average credit scores by 45 points and unlocked more than $30 billion in mortgage financing for participants. Zillow’s own data show that 147,000 renters have already benefited from rent reporting since early 2024, underscoring the scale of the opportunity and the potential for rapid adoption of the new tool.
CreditClimb fits squarely into Zillow’s broader strategy to deepen its role in the rental ecosystem. By turning a routine payment into a credit‑building asset, Zillow strengthens user engagement on its platform, creates a new revenue stream, and advances its mission of making homeownership more accessible. The partnership with Esusu also brings proven technology and a track record of success, reducing implementation risk and accelerating time to market.
Michael Sherman, senior vice president of Zillow Rentals, emphasized the service’s impact: “Renters have more options when they can build credit from the payments they already make. CreditClimb empowers them to qualify for better financing, secure future rentals, and move confidently toward homeownership.” His comments highlight the strategic intent to support financial inclusion for a demographic that is often credit‑invisible.
The introduction of CreditClimb signals Zillow’s commitment to expanding its financial services beyond listings and home‑search tools. While the $20 annual fee represents a modest direct revenue source, the broader benefit lies in increased platform stickiness and cross‑sell opportunities to Zillow Home Loans. In a competitive rent‑reporting market, Zillow’s extensive reach and integrated user experience position it to capture a significant share of the growing demand for credit‑building solutions.
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