What is DARTS?

DARTS is a company with a mission to promote financial inclusion by providing accessible and affordable credit-building tools. The DARTS Credit Builder Account offers a starting point for establishing credit from scratch. If you have poor credit or a low credit score, the Credit Builder Account is an opportunity to add positive credit history to your credit report.

How does the DARTS Credit Builder work?

You choose a credit builder loan that you can afford and a term that meets your needs, then open your account. DARTS reports the new installment loan to the credit bureaus at the beginning of each month until your scheduled payments are complete.

How does DARTS credit builder loan work?

A Credit Builder loan is a secured installment loan where the funds are held until you've fully repaid the loan. Unlike other loans, the amount is stored in a secure bank account while you make regular payments. Since the goal is to build credit history, you receive the money at the end. Unlike payday loans or some unsecured personal loans, the Credit Builder Loan details and your monthly payments are reported to the credit bureaus, allowing you to build credit through timely payments.

Is a credit builder loan like a secured credit card?

Many people use a secured credit card for the same reason they choose a credit builder loan—to build credit history for future access to loans like a mortgage or car loan. While both are secured credit products, secured credit cards and credit builder loans work differently, though they can be combined to build credit. Learn how DARTS’ Credit Builder Account can be your first step toward obtaining a secured credit card.

What is the DARTS app?

The DARTS app will launch on iOS and Android.

Does the DARTS Credit Builder work?

Results may vary, but hundreds of thousands of people have used a credit builder loan through DARTS.

How fast does DARTS build credit?

The time it takes to improve your credit score varies for each individual. Some DARTS Credit Builder Account holders see an impact after the first report to the credit bureaus, while others may not notice changes until multiple payments have been made and reported. The timing and extent of the impact depend on your existing credit history and how consistently you manage your monthly payments.

Does DARTS give you money?

A DARTS loan differs from other loans. Designed to help you build credit, the DARTS Credit Builder does not provide funds upfront; instead, you receive the money at the end of the term (minus interest and fees). The loan principal is securely held in a bank account until the loan is fully repaid or the account is closed.

Does DARTS report to all three credit bureaus?

The DARTS Credit Builder Account is reported to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

When does DARTS report to the credit bureaus?

DARTS reports credit builder loan activity to the credit bureaus at the beginning of each month, covering the previous month’s activity.

Can I pay off my DARTS Credit Builder early?

You can pay off and close your credit builder loan early at any time. However, keep in mind that payment history is the most important factor in determining your credit score. Paying off your loan early will result in a shorter payment history with the credit bureaus. The loan will be reported as paid off early, and any information recorded during the loan period will remain on your report. Learn more about early account closure here.

What happens when my Credit Builder Account is complete?

Once you complete your Credit Builder loan payments, DARTS reports the loan as paid in full and returns your money (minus interest and fees).

What credit score does DARTS use?

Because the DARTS Credit Builder loan is reported to all three credit bureaus, it can impact various credit score models.