Having no credit score is common and it doesn't disqualify you from renting. Many first-time renters, recent immigrants, and young adults successfully rent without established credit.
Here's why you might not have a credit score and what to do about it.
Common Reasons for No Credit Score
Insufficient Credit History This is the most common reason. A credit score requires:
- At least one credit account (credit card, loan, etc.)
- Account(s) open for at least 6 months
- Recent account activity reported to credit bureaus
Who typically has no credit score:
- Young renters (18-22) who haven't opened credit accounts yet
- Recent immigrants to the US
- People who only use cash/debit and avoid credit
- Those recovering from bankruptcy (after accounts are removed)
This is completely normal and doesn't mean you have bad credit—you simply haven't built credit history yet.
Accounts Not Reported to TransUnion
You might have credit accounts, but:
- Not all creditors report to all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Clara uses TransUnion—you might have history with other bureaus but not this one
- Some accounts (utilities, rent payment services) may not report credit activity
Incorrect Information Submitted
Technical issue: If you entered incorrect information during profile creation:
- Wrong Social Security Number
- Incorrect date of birth
- Misspelled name
- Wrong address
TransUnion can't match your identity to credit records, resulting in no report or score.
Fix: Double-check your Basic Information and Identity Verification sections for typos or errors. Contact support@rentwithclara.com if you need to correct information.
What to Do If You Have No Credit Score
Don't panic! You have options:
1. Add a Guarantor A guarantor (parent, family member, friend) with established credit can support your application. They complete their own verification showing their credit and income.
This is the most common solution for renters without credit history.
2. Use Your Personal Statement Explain your situation:
- "Recent college graduate building credit history"
- "Recent immigrant to the US, establishing credit"
- "Intentionally avoided credit—excellent payment history with utilities and rent"
3. Provide Alternative Documentation Offer additional proof of financial responsibility:
- Bank statements showing savings
- Utility payment history
- Previous rent payment records
- Letter from previous landlord vouching for on-time payments
4. Offer Additional Security Some landlords accept:
- Larger security deposit
- Prepaid rent (first + last month)
- Co-signer in addition to guarantor
Building Credit While You Search
If you want to establish credit quickly:
Secured Credit Card
- Requires cash deposit as collateral
- Reports to credit bureaus
- Can build credit in 6-12 months
Credit Builder Loan
- Small loans designed for credit building
- Affordable monthly payments that report to bureaus
Become an Authorized User
- Parent or family member adds you to their credit card
- Their positive payment history helps build your credit
Note: Building credit takes time (months), so focus on guarantors and alternative documentation for immediate rental needs.
Verifying Your Information is Correct
If you believe you should have a credit score:
Check your credit directly with TransUnion:
- Visit: transunion.com/customer-support/contact-us-consumers
- Request your credit file information
- Verify whether you have reportable accounts
Common misunderstandings:
- Having a bank account ≠ having credit
- Paying rent on time ≠ credit history (unless through a rent-reporting service)
- Using debit cards ≠ building credit
If TransUnion confirms you have accounts but Clara didn't pull them: Contact Clara support at support@rentwithclara.com with your TransUnion information so we can investigate.
What Landlords See When You Have No Score
Your credit report will show:
- "No score available" or similar message
- Any accounts that do exist (even if insufficient for a score)
- Identity verification information
- Any public records (if applicable)
Landlords understand that many qualified renters—especially younger ones—don't have credit scores yet. This is why strong guarantors, references, and income verification matter.
Your Application is Still Strong
Remember, credit score is just one factor. Landlords also evaluate:
- Income verification (can you afford the rent?)
- Rental history and references (are you a responsible renter?)
- Background check (any red flags?)
- Guarantor support (financial backup)
Many landlords successfully rent to people without credit scores by looking at the complete picture.
Common Questions
"Can I rent without a credit score?" Yes. Many landlords rent to people without credit scores, especially with a strong guarantor supporting the application.
"Will this delay my application?" No. Your application processes normally—landlords simply see "no score available" and evaluate your other qualifications.
"Should I wait to apply until I build credit?" Not necessarily. Building credit takes months. If you need housing now, use a guarantor and alternative documentation instead.
"What if I have bad credit vs. no credit?" No credit is often easier to explain than bad credit. You haven't built history yet (understandable) rather than mismanaging credit (concerning).
"Will Clara charge me even though there's no score?" Yes. The $49 fee covers your complete verification attempt, including credit check, background check, and income verification—regardless of whether a credit score is generated.