Last updated: January 2026 | Reviewed: February 2026
Credit builder loans and secured credit cards designed to build credit history. Clearer pricing model than traditional credit repair but still includes significant data sharing.
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Grade C
Bottom Line: Self offers a legitimate credit-building product with a clearer value proposition than traditional credit repair services. You're essentially paying to save money in a CD while building credit history. The terms are more straightforward, though data sharing provisions and arbitration requirements remain concerns.
Category Scores
Fee Transparency58/100
Product Clarity52/100
Credit Reporting45/100
Dispute Resolution32/100
Early Termination35/100
Key Findings
✓ Actual Financial Product
Unlike credit repair services that dispute items, Self provides a real credit-builder loan. Your payments build savings in a CD while establishing payment history with credit bureaus.
✓ Clear Fee Structure
Administrative fee and interest rates are disclosed upfront. Total cost of the loan is calculable before signing, unlike variable credit repair monthly fees.
⚠ Data Sharing With All Three Bureaus
Self reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. While this builds credit, it also means your payment data is shared broadly.
"We report your payment history to all three major credit bureaus. This information becomes part of your credit file."
⚠ Early Termination Penalties
Closing your credit builder account early may result in forfeiture of interest earned and could impact your credit score if reported as closed before maturity.
⚠ Mandatory Arbitration
Like most fintech products, Self requires binding arbitration for disputes with class action waiver. 60-day opt-out window available.