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Self vs Kikoff

Self is a flexible credit builder that can turn expensive with fees. How does it compare to Kikoff? Read our comparison chart below.

Self offers Credit Builder Account. It reports your monthly payments to all 3 credit bureaus to help build your credit. At the end of the loan term, you get your money back (minus interest and fees). Self also offers a secured credit card, and rent and bills reporting.

While Kikoff provides a $750 credit line you can use in Kikoff store for a monthly fee of $5. It can help build your credit by reducing credit utilization and reporting monthly payments to Equifax and Experian. Other services include credit builder loans, secured credit card, and rent reporting.

Compare Self with Kikoff, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.

 SelfKikoff
 Visit SiteVisit Site
 

Self

Kikoff

SPECIAL OFFER
Apply for a Credit Builder Account at Self - Learn More

Read Self Review

SPECIAL OFFER
Credit Building Made Easy - Learn More

Read Kikoff Review

 

Benefits and Features

Fees
  • Rent Reporting: Free
  • Bills Payment Reporting: $6.95/month
  • Credit Account: $5/month Credit Service Fee
  • Rent Reporting: Free
Credit Building Tools
  • Credit Builder Account
  • Self Secured Visa® Credit Card
  • Rent and Bills Reporting
  • Credit Account
  • Credit Builder Loan
  • Kikoff Secured Credit Card
  • Rent Reporting
Credit Bureaus Reporting
  • Credit Builder Account, Credit Card, and Rent Reporting: 3 Main Credit Bureaus
  • Bills Payment Reporting: TransUnion
  • Credit Account: Equifax and Experian
  • Credit Builder Loan: TransUnion and Equifax
  • Credit Card: 3 Main Credit Bureaus
  • Rent Reporting: Equifax
Monthly Loan PaymentStarts at $25/month.
Sample loans: $25/mo, 24 mos, 15.92% APR; $35/mo, 24 mos, 15.69% APR; $48/mo, 24 mos, 15.51% APR; $150/mo, 24 mos, 15.82% APR. See self.inc/pricing
$10/month
Loan Term
24 months
12 months
APR15.92% APR for $25/mo plan;
15.69% APR for $35/mo plan;
15.51% APR for $48/mo plan;
15.82% APR for $150/mo plan
0%
Credit Limit
Credit Card: $100 Minimum
  • Credit Account: $750 (can be used at Kikoff Store only)
  • Secured Credit Card: $50 minimum
Mobile App
Yes
Yes
 

CreditDonkey® Reviews

 SelfKikoff
FeesStarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarHalf Star
Credit Building ToolsStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar
Credit Bureaus ReportingStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty Star
Mobile AppStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar
Pros & ConsPros:
  • No hard credit check
  • Available in all 50 states
  • Get your money back (minus interest and fees)
  • Cancel anytime
Cons:
  • High APRs
  • Charges late fees, convenience fees, and closing fees
Pros:
  • Inexpensive way to build credit
  • Cancel anytime
  • No lock-in period
Cons:
  • Does not report to TransUnion
  • Kikoff Store items may not be valuable
Bottom LineFlexible credit builder that can turn expensive with fees... Read full reviewLow-cost credit builder that packs in extra features for credit building... Read full review
 Visit SiteVisit Site

Apply for a Credit Builder Account at Self

Self: Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit made/held by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.

Self

Apply for a Credit Builder Account at Self

  • Get the Credit Builder Account that helps build credit today!
  • Choose the plan that fits within your budget
  • Monthly payments are reported to the three major credit bureaus.
Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit made/held by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.
Kikoff

Credit Building Made Easy

  • No credit pull required
  • With 0% interest
  • Open your account in minutes

Which is Better: Self or Kikoff?

Still need help deciding which credit is better? Read the in-depth reviews below. You may also be interested in comparing Self or Kovo.

In short: Self's credit bureaus reporting is excellent. Kikoff's fees is notable.


Articles on Self

Self App Reviews

Wondering about Self's credit-building claims? Discover in-depth information in this review and decide if it's legit.

Articles on Kikoff

Kikoff Review

Kikoff offers an affordable credit line, which can help you build your credit. But what's the catch? Read on to find out.

Which Do You Think is Best?


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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.

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