17 Dec 2023
Whether or not tradelines are a good idea is probably the first and most important question you should ask yourself. The answer of course really depends on a few things. We are happy to use our 13 years of experience to answer you.
Are tradelines a good idea in terms of effectiveness?
There’s no question that adding tradelines will have a positive impact on your credit score, provided the tradelines are in good standing. Despite this, tradelines may not help depending on where your credit starts and what your goal is. Given that we don’t know anything about your specific situation without talking to you first, it’s very hard to answer.
However, we have a good way to do it; We can give you a high-risk, medium-risk, low-risk answer.
Low risk: If you need 25 points or less, tradelines are a good idea.
Medium risk: If you need around 50 points, tradelines might be a good idea.
High risk: If you need 75 points or more, it could work, but it is less guaranteed.
If you want more detail with more accuracy, there are really two ways to go about it. First, you can read our study with over a thousand participants that shows the before and after results given different scenarios. Second, you can contact us and we can do a credit report analysis for you to determine whether or not tradelines are going to work given your specific circumstances and goals.
Are tradelines a good idea in terms of scams and ripoffs?
It’s a valid question to determine whether or not you’re working with a legitimate company. This is true of every single industry in the country. And it’s true of the trade line industry. We recently wrote an interesting blog article about the best tradeline companies. We encourage you to read it. We also wrote an article on tips on how to select the best tradeline company. We also encourage you to read that.
Some of the key points you should consider are how long a company has been in business, whether they answer your questions and sound like experts, and whether they seem to be interested in solving your problem versus taking your money. You can easily unmask all of those considerations.
Are tradelines a good idea in terms of regulations and laws?
To date, we know of no consumers getting in trouble for buying and using trade lines. However, there’s more to the story. Some consumers have engaged in illicit and illegal activity such as buying secondary Social Security numbers from prisoners and children and slapping tradelines on it. This practice is highly illegal and it’s called synthetic identity fraud.
If you’re simply looking to increase your credit score by buying tradelines, so far, this practice has not been made illegal. On the contrary. There’s some significant legal backing for the practice.
13 Dec 2023
To be upfront, the question “Do tradelines stay on your credit forever?” can be directed at two different things:
- Tradeline in general (accounts in your credit report, already)
- Authorized user tradelines (adding accounts to boost credit score).
We’re not really answering number 1.
There’s a bunch of stock answers for that, such as “accounts can stay on credit reports for up to seven years.” Experian had a great, quick answer to that question:
Instead, we’re answering number 2.
When you are added as an authorized user to a credit card, it can take up to 30 days for them to start reporting to your credit reports. Once reported, the tradelines can remain as long as someone keeps you as an authorized user. However, when the primary account holder removes you as an authorized user, the tradeline data will still report to your credit report. Once you are removed as an authorized user, the account is no longer reporting actively. even though the information remains in your credit reports. This means, the impact of the tradeline will go away over time. Eventually, the tradeline will fall off.
Tradelines do not stay on your credit forever. In our 13 years of experience, we’ve seen them stay as short as 90 days or as long as 8 years.
13 Dec 2023
I was asked to the other day, “what does a tradeline do?” It’s an interesting question, because tradelines have a definition but they also do something depending on certain circumstances. Let’s discuss both really quickly.
As we’ve explained in other articles, tradelines are accounts that appear in your credit report. It’s basically a report of your payment history inside of your credit report. This can be payment behavior on car loans, mortgages, credit cards, etc. Despite this definition, this only describes what tradelines are and not what tradelines do.
If someone is asking what trade lines do, they’re referring to the practice of piggybacking credit. Here’s what tradelines do: they impact your credit score, preferably in a good way. How do they do this? And, How do we make sure they impact your credit score in a good way?
Typically, this is achieved by adding authorized user accounts to your credit report. You inherit the history associated with those accounts. This is called piggybacking credit. If you’re added to an authorized user account with pre-existing history and positive standing, such as no missed payments as well as a high limit and low balance, it is likely to improve your credit score. We’ve studied the impact of trade lines over the years with over a thousand study participants and we’ve shown you the results on what you should expect.
Please comment below with any questions.
04 Dec 2023
Have you ever wondered why some people have excellent credit scores while others struggle to get approved for a basic loan or credit card?
The answer lies in tradelines.
What is a tradeline?
A tradeline is a credit account listed on your credit report, showing your borrowing and repayment history, also known as tradeline information.
In this article, we will explore tradelines and provide you with an in-depth understanding of what they are, how they work, and how you can create or acquire them to achieve a high credit score.
We will cover everything from the different types of tradelines to the steps involved in getting one. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your credit and financial future.
Let’s get started!
Tradeline defined by banks, credit bureaus, and law.
Tradelines are reflections of credit behavior. Banks define a tradeline as the financial history associated with a particular account.
The credit bureaus define a tradeline as a credit account reported on your credit file.
Legally, a credit tradeline is a piece of data on a credit report reported by the major credit bureaus, including Experian™, Equifax®, and TransUnion®.
Creditors use these details to assess creditworthiness. The accuracy of credit reports is crucial as it can significantly impact one’s life. This is why the government emphasizes and demands precision in reporting credit information.
The nature of tradelines.
Understanding tradelines goes beyond simple definitions, as they can encompass various types of credit and products.
From credit cards to mortgages, each account you open and manage becomes a tradeline. These tradelines demonstrate your borrowing and repayment history, providing valuable insight into your creditworthiness. The types of tradelines can vary widely, ranging from revolving accounts like credit cards to installment loans like car loans or student loans.
Let’s explore tradeline ownership and the different types of tradelines, as well.
Tradeline ownership: Primary, Authorized User, Joint Account, Secured.
The allocation of tradeline ownership can differ, resulting in various impacts on credit.
A primary tradeline denotes the original account holder. Conversely, an authorized user tradeline involves a secondary account holder that authorized to use the line of credit, but does not have repayment obligations. Furthermore, a joint tradeline is shared by multiple primary account holders, while a secured tradeline requires collateral.
All of these tradelines are reported to credit bureaus and the information associated with them can impact credit scores (positively or negatively).
The type of ownership influences the tradeline’s effect on credit. A primary tradeline has more of an impact that an authorized user tradeline. A secured tradeline has less of an impact that other types (since it reflects less of a risk).
Just as tradeline ownership can vary, so too can tradeline types.
The Different Types of Tradelines: Installment, Revolving, Open.
When it comes to lines of credit, there are different types that can impact your credit score in various ways.
An installment tradeline, such as a student loan, involves borrowing a fixed amount of money and making regular monthly payments until the loan is paid off. On the other hand, a revolving tradeline, such as a credit card account, has a credit limit and a current balance that can fluctuate based on the individual’s spending and payments. Lastly, an open tradeline, like a charge card, requires the account holder to pay the balance in full each month.
Each type contributes to the credit mix, influencing credit scores through factors such as credit utilization and the length of credit history, including available credit.
In addition to this, there are product-specific tradelines, too.
Product-specific tradelines: Auto, mortgage, business, credit card, etc.
Product-specific tradelines, such as auto loan, mortgage, business, credit card, and personal loan, cater to different financial needs.
An auto loan tradeline involves an installment credit used to finance a vehicle purchase. On the other hand, a mortgage tradeline represents a large loan amount typically used for purchasing real estate. Business tradelines are lines of credit specifically tailored for business purposes, while credit card tradelines involve revolving credit with a specified credit limit and current balance. Personal loan tradelines, on the other hand, are fixed loans that are used for personal expenses and have a set repayment plan. Each type serves a unique purpose in personal finance and has the potential to impact credit scores differently based on factors like credit utilization and monthly payments.
Creating or acquiring a tradeline.
Positive tradelines play a crucial role in impacting credit scores, while poor tradelines have a negative impact. To establish a credit history and improve credit scores, you need to demonstrate positive payment behavior.
However, there exists a catch-22 situation with tradelines: it’s challenging to acquire them without an established credit history. Therefore, obtaining tradelines becomes pivotal in building and expanding one’s credit history.
This is where managing credit tips, such as paying down balances and making timely payments, come into play, but the primary focus remains on creating or acquiring a tradeline with positive information, even for those with bad credit.
Whether it’s getting tradelines from scratch or purchasing them, the addition of tradelines with a positive payment history has shown to significantly boost credit scores, resulting in a common practice for credit score improvement.
What is a tradeline? Here are the steps to tradeline creation.
Step 1: Starting from a blank (credit) page.
For many, the first step towards building credit is requesting a credit report from one of the major credit bureaus. However, without any previous borrowing or payment activity, these reports may reveal an empty slate devoid of any credit information. This can be both frustrating and discouraging for individuals seeking to establish a financial track record.
Step 2: Starting with a starter card.
The initial step towards this endeavor typically involves applying for credit at a bank. By submitting an application, individuals open themselves up to the possibility of obtaining credit approval. However, depending on various factors like credit history or income, the bank may choose an alternate route.
In certain cases where traditional credit approval might not be possible, banks may offer individuals the option to secure a credit card by putting down a deposit. This type of credit card, known as a secured card, allows individuals to build their creditworthiness by demonstrating responsible usage and payment habits. While it may require a deposit upfront, the secured card provides an opportunity for individuals to establish and improve their credit history.
Pro tip: Getting added as an authorized user before you apply for credit is often helpful.
Step 3: Use credit and repay it.
Using your first line of credit is an important step towards building a strong financial foundation. However, it is crucial to approach it with responsible spending habits and timely repayments. By using your line of credit wisely and paying it on time, you can establish a positive credit history that will benefit you in the long run.
Step 4: Bank reports your repayment behavior.
Once you establish credit and diligently make your payments, something remarkable happens behind the scenes. The bank, serving as a silent observer, meticulously collects every bit of information related to your financial activities. Yes, every transaction, every payment made is carefully tracked. But it doesn’t stop there. This valuable treasure trove of data is then reported to the credit bureaus.
Step 5: Credit bureaus publish tradeline data in credit reports.
Once creditors have diligently reported the relevant information to credit bureaus, a crucial process unfolds – the compilation of this data into comprehensive credit reports. These credit bureaus, entrusted with the responsibility of gathering and analyzing financial information, meticulously collate all the furnished data. Subsequently, these compiled credit reports serve as a reliable repository of an individual’s credit history and financial behavior. In the event that a credit report for an individual does not already exist, credit bureaus possess the authority and capability to generate one.
Step 6: You pull a credit report and see the tradeline.
Once the information pertaining to your credit activities is reported to the credit bureaus, it undergoes a process of verification and evaluation. Once confirmed, this information is then published by the credit bureaus on your credit report.
To obtain an updated view of your credit standing, you can pull a credit report from any of the major credit bureaus. This report will reflect the updated tradeline information, allowing you to review and assess your financial history accurately.
Step 7: So, what is a tradeline? See steps 1 through 6.
Basically, the process outlined above results in a tradeline. As defined above, it’s the record of your repayment history associated with a line of credit. But, rather than a mere definition, steps 1 through 6 explain it as a process that unfolds.
Buying a tradeline.
Purchasing tradelines has become a common practice in credit score improvement. One of the only ways to “buy” tradelines is through piggybacking credit: Becoming an authorized user on a credit card.
Companies exist that coordinate this effort, listing you as an authorized user on a pre-existing line of credit that’s in good standing. You pay the company for this service, and it can have a positive impact on your credit score whether you have a credit report established or not.
Alternatively, you can ask a family member or friend to add you as an authorized user, but ensure that the tradeline is in good standing and trustworthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a tradeline boost my credit?
The impact of a tradeline on your credit score can vary depending on factors such as the tradeline’s age, credit limit, and your own credit history. The study conducted by Superior Tradelines shows the potential impacts of improving credit scores with tradelines.
How Do I Choose a Tradeline?
Considering your credit score and financial goals is crucial when choosing a tradeline. Look for one with a long and positive credit history, owned by someone who has good credit habits and makes timely payments. Opt for a tradeline with low balance and utilization rate. If you want to get a really detailed answer, consider using a tradeline and credit simulator that calculates the impact of tradelines.
What Is a Seasoned Tradeline?
A seasoned tradeline refers to a credit account with a long and positive credit history. Adding a seasoned tradeline to your credit report can help improve your credit score. These tradelines are usually owned by individuals or companies that sell them to assist others in enhancing their credit. However, it’s important to carefully research and consider the potential risks and benefits before using a seasoned tradeline service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the concept of tradelines is crucial for anyone looking to improve their credit score or establish a credit history. Tradelines play a significant role in determining your creditworthiness and can greatly impact your financial future. Whether you choose to create a tradeline from scratch or buy an existing one, it’s important to consider the various types of tradelines and their implications. Remember to always stay informed and make informed decisions when it comes to managing your credit. By taking the necessary steps to establish and maintain positive tradelines, you can set yourself up for financial success and achieve your long-term goals.