Yes, you can use more than one credit-building method at a time; in fact, we recommend our users do so.

Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax are the three major credit bureaus where your credit scores are reported. Because each of the bureaus uses a different formula, your score performance may vary.

For instance, Experian Boost only affects your score on Experian. With consistent, on-time payments, your Grow Credit account may have a positive effect on all three credit bureaus’ reports.

Self is also a good option; however, their program only lasts a maximum of two years, which is why we recommend users supplement it with a Grow account, since the free plan has no cost. Memberships can be renewed indefinitely, which benefits the length of your credit history, accounting for 15% of your score.

We recommend using a secured card, like Chime’s Credit Builder, though a user must secure the card with their personal funds. In contrast, Grow offers unsecured loans that are more convenient, since no up front personal funds are needed to boost scores.

Finally, it is important to remember that the extension of credit is a critical factor in assessing consumers’ repayment capability. Since Experian Boost does not extend credit, the average score effect is lower. We recommend complementing Experian Boost with Grow.