August 6, 2020

Wondering Why You Should Pay Rent Online? Two Words: Build Credit

When it comes to paying rent, there’s not much of a difference between paying online or paying by cash or check, is there? There may not be too much of a difference on the surface, but paying rent online has an added benefit: it can help you build credit! In fact, one study of 12,000 renters found that renters’ scores rose an average of 16 points within six months, benefiting those who started with a credit score below 620 the most.

When you pay rent online with us, we automatically report your payments to credit bureaus, which shows them that you are a responsible bill-payer. Plus, these payments can combine with credit card payments to increase your score even more. Keep reading to learn how!

Step 1: Get Your Payments Reported to Credit Bureaus

Not all rental communities report payments to credit bureaus, which means that paying rent usually doesn’t affect a renter’s credit score. But in cases where those payments are reported, they can help build credit, “especially if you are new to credit or do not have a lot of experience using it,” says Bev O’Shea at NerdWallet.

So how do you get a record of your payments to the credit bureaus? At Lantern Bay Apartments, our online rental payment system automatically reports information to the credit bureaus so you don’t have to. As credit bureaus receive a record of your on-time rental payments, your credit score is likely to improve. In order to opt in for the credit reporting, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account through the resident portal and click on “Make a Payment Now.”
  2. Select “Build your credit history by opting in to credit reporting.”
  3. Enter your information in the credit reporting fields. Be sure to select “yes” for month-to-month lease if you have one, or select “no” and a lease end date.

Step 2: Maintain Those On-Time Payments to Show Credit Bureaus You Are Responsible

What makes up a credit score? Things like your loan payment history , the credit cards you use, and applying for new loans or credit. So where does paying rent fit into that? As you pay rent online, those payments become part of your payment history. And as you keep paying on time and in full, that impressive record becomes part of your score, too.

Step 3: Consider Paying Rent with a Dedicated Credit Card

Have you ever gotten a credit card just to pay for something specific, like gas for your car? Consider using a credit card just to pay for 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.” Paying with a credit card or not is totally up to you, but it’s an easy way to build your credit since you’re paying rent anyway!

Building your credit is as easy as one, two, three! Hop on over to the resident portal and try paying your rent online. You might just build credit as we report your payments to the credit bureaus and pay with a credit card. Give it a try!

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at Lantern Bay

April 15, 2026
At  Lantern Bay Apartments  , 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 Orange 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  Lantern Bay Apartments  , 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.
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