What is a credit check?
The property you're applying to has asked Payscore to check your credit as part of your rental application. You confirm your identity on a short form, Payscore retrieves your credit file from the credit bureau, and shares a report with the property reviewing your application.
This is a tenant screening inquiry. It does not affect your credit score.
Why you're asked to do this
Most rental applications include a credit check. Completing it through Payscore means:
You complete one short online form instead of sending documents
Your information is handled securely and used only for your application
Your results reach the property quickly, so your application keeps moving
What you'll need
Have this ready before you start:
Your date of birth
Your Social Security number
Your current address
The form takes a few minutes.
How it works
Open the email. You'll receive an email from [email protected] with the subject "[Property manager] requested a credit check for your application". It arrives after everyone in your household has completed income verification.
Click Complete Credit Check. The button opens a secure form.
Confirm your identity and agree to the check. Enter your details, review the consent and disclosure forms, and agree to them.
Submit. Payscore retrieves your credit file, usually within minutes.
That's it. There's nothing more you need to do.
What happens next
Payscore creates a Credit Report and shares it with the property reviewing your application. The property makes the decision on your application, not Payscore.
Your invitation is valid for two weeks. If you don't complete the form in that time, the link expires and the property is told the credit check was not completed.
Frequently asked questions
Will this hurt my credit score?
No. This is a tenant screening inquiry, not a credit application. It does not affect your score.
I haven't received the email.
Check your spam or junk folder for an email from [email protected]. The email is sent only after everyone in your household has finished income verification. If you still can't find it, contact the property you're applying to and ask them to reach out to Payscore support.
My link expired. Can I get a new one?
Links expire after two weeks. Contact the property you're applying to. They can ask Payscore support to send you a new invitation.
Is my information safe?
Yes. Your details are entered on a secure form and your credit file is handled under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Payscore receives your credit results, not your Social Security number.
I have little or no credit history.
Complete the form anyway. If the credit bureau has no file for you, the report says so and the property reviews your application another way. It is not treated as a failed check.
My credit is frozen.
A frozen file cannot be pulled, so the report will show that no credit file was found. Lift the freeze temporarily before you complete the form if you want your credit included.
Can I see my results?
The property you're applying to has a copy of your report and must share it with you before making an adverse decision based on it. You can also request a free copy of your credit report from the credit bureaus at any time.
Something on my credit report is wrong.
Your credit file was prepared by Certn, the consumer reporting agency for credit reports. Certn handles disputes. Contact Certn at [email protected] and they will investigate with the credit bureau. Please make sure you have your Case ID ready, which is found on the top right of the report.
Is this a background check?
No. This is a credit check only. It does not include criminal history.