Latest news with #Kikoff
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Kikoff Launches AI Credit Disputes to Help 1M Users Fix Credit Report Errors for Free
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kikoff, the credit-building platform used by over a million consumers, today announces the launch of AI Credit Disputes, a proprietary feature that helps users identify and correct errors on their credit reports today. Now available in the Kikoff app, AI Credit Disputes is the latest addition to the company's growing suite of tools designed to help people access financial services, from which they were historically excluded. This launch is part of Kikoff's broader mission to replace predatory products with radically affordable, effective solutions. Now available in the Kikoff app, AI Credit Disputes is the latest addition to the company's growing suite of tools designed to help people access financial services, from which they were historically excluded. Share 'Mistakes on a credit report can have a real impact on someone's life, but many people don't know where to start or feel overwhelmed by the process,' said Cynthia Chen, Founder and CEO of Kikoff. 'We built AI Credit Disputes to make it easier for people to take that first step. By using AI to simplify the process and giving users a clear path forward, we're helping them take back control and make real progress.' AI-Powered Credit Disputes Now Available to Help More People Take Control Errors are more common than many realize. According to Consumer Reports, 44 percent of people who reviewed their credit reports found at least one error. For Kikoff users—many of whom are working to build credit and carry an average of 18 derogatory marks—these errors can be a major barrier towards reaching their financial goals. Disputing credit report errors has long been so complex that many turn to credit repair services for help. Some of the credit repair services charge upwards of $300 a month. Kikoff's AI Credit Disputes is free for Kikoff users and offers a smarter alternative, making the process simple and personalized. During the two‑month pilot with a segment of users, AI Credit Disputes has already helped these pilot users dispute over 70,000 credit report errors. The number of disputes will continue to climb as the feature rolls out to all 1M+ active Kikoff users. The tool simplifies a traditionally confusing and costly process by using AI to generate personalized, FCRA-compliant dispute letters tailored to each user's specific situation. Instead of relying on generic templates, users can now use personalized language that reflects their reason for the dispute, to increase chances of approval and making the process more effective and approachable. Ashley Weeks, a Kikoff user from Florida, experienced that firsthand: 'Before Kikoff, I had tried submitting disputes on my own, but the process was confusing. I've used Kikoff's credit disputes multiple times now, and it honestly makes things so much easier. Being able to see the letter that Kikoff prepared gave me more confidence, and I really believe it helped lead to a better outcome.' AI Credit Disputes is the latest step in Kikoff's mission to use AI to dismantle financial barriers. With more innovations on the way, Kikoff remains focused on expanding access to tools that create real, lasting financial progress. To try AI Credit Disputes, go to: To learn more about Kikoff and its credit-building tools, visit: About Kikoff Kikoff was built on the belief that predatory financial services shouldn't exist. As a consumer-focused personal finance platform, Kikoff is making financial progress accessible, especially for those overlooked by traditional systems. We offer simple, radically affordable tools powered by technology and AI to help people build credit, lower debt, and move toward long-term financial stability. To date, Kikoff has helped over 1 million people increase their credit scores by more than 80 million points. Our growing suite of products also helps users reduce debt, access liquidity, and unlock greater financial opportunity. Learn more at or by downloading the Kikoff app.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
You should know these 5 things before applying for a Kikoff credit card
Kikoff is a subscription-based platform that aims to make it easier for people with a thin credit file to get credit. It offers three subscription tiers, all giving you access to a $750 credit account you can use exclusively for products in Kikoff's store. When you pay down your financed purchases through Kikoff, the company reports those payments to the major credit bureaus. Paying responsibly could help you build your credit. If you want more flexibility than the Kikoff credit account provides, you can also get the Kikoff Secured Credit Card. Here's what to know about the Kikoff credit card and its pros and cons, plus some alternatives if it isn't the right fit. This embedded content is not available in your region. Kikoff offers three subscription tiers: Basic, Premium, and Ultimate. The Basic subscription costs $5 per month and gives you access to a Kikoff credit account, which you can only use at the Kikoff store to purchase financial literacy materials such as eBooks and online courses. As you pay down your Kikoff purchases, the platform reports those payments to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. While a Kikoff Basic subscription might help you build credit, you won't get access to its secured credit card, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The Kikoff Secured Card is only available with Premium and Ultimate plans, which cost $20 and $35 per month (or $240 and $420 per year), respectively. While the card itself carries relatively few fees, the high monthly subscription costs required to keep the card are unusual. Many unsecured credit cards come with no annual fee. The Kikoff Secured Credit Card doesn't require a minimum security deposit as a condition of approval. That said, you'll need to make a deposit to access its full benefits. Kikoff provides a virtual card to applicants immediately, but it won't send a physical card until you deposit at least $50 into your account. It also won't report your payments to the credit bureaus without that $50 deposit. Other secured cards require an upfront security deposit, often $50 or more, before you can use your card. This money often serves as your credit limit, and you're allowed to spend up to your deposited amount. However, some secured cards offer you a higher credit limit than what you deposit. The Capital One Platinum Card, for example, gives you an initial $200 credit line, with a security deposit of $49, $99, or $200, depending on your creditworthiness. When you apply for a credit card, the issuer will typically run a hard credit check to determine your creditworthiness. This type of check ding your credit score in the short-term, typically by just a few points. Kikoff doesn't require a credit check for its credit card, which sets it apart from some other secured cards. The Kikoff Secured Card also notably has a 0% APR. This is unusual for a secured card, as most charge relatively high interest rates. And Kikoff card payments are automatically deducted from your linked account, ensuring you'll never miss a payment. You can earn rewards with a Kikoff Secured Credit Card, but the rewards program is limited and some cardholders may find it hard to navigate. Unlike some credit cards, which offer flexible rewards, you're limited in how you can earn and use Kikoff rewards. Cardmembers can earn rewards by making online purchases through the Kikoff Offers portal or redeeming card-linked offers in-store with an eligible merchant. Once you've made a qualifying purchase, Kikoff will add your cashback rewards to your account. You can then redeem those rewards as a statement credit toward future purchases. The Kikoff Secured Credit Card offers no interest, overdraft protection, and ATM withdrawals, similar to a traditional debit card. You also get fee-free access to over 55,000 ATMs globally as a card member. Typical credit cards classify ATM withdrawals as cash advances, which are subject to high fees and APRs. While it shares some features with debit cards, the Kikoff Secured Card is also similar to a credit card. It has a rewards program and your monthly payments are reported to the major credit bureaus, so it can help you build credit with responsible use. The Kikoff Secured Card's hybrid structure is relatively unique, but given Kikoff's high monthly subscription fees, you may be better off with a separate debit and credit card. Most bank accounts provide free debit cards to new checking account holders, and several other secured credit cards come at a lower cost. Compare the Kikoff card with other secured cards before making your decision. If you don't want to pay that much to build credit, a secured credit card like the Capital One Platinum Secured Card could be a good alternative. This card has a $0 annual fee, and your monthly payments are reported to the national credit bureaus. You'll need to make a one-time security deposit of $49, $99, or $200 — based on your credit history — but you can get that deposit back and upgrade to an unsecured version of the card if you qualify in the you want more flexible rewards, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Card is a good alternative. You'll earn 5% cash back on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on every other purchases. Redemptions are flexible, too: You can redeem your rewards for statement credits, checks, Capital One Travel purchases, and the Kikoff credit card, the OpenSky Secured Visa offers no credit check to qualify, but also comes with a limited rewards program. The OpenSky Secured reports your activity to the three major credit bureaus and you may be eligible for a credit limit increase in as little as three months. While this card does come with an annual fee, it's much more affordable than the subscription costs required by the Kikoff article was edited by Alicia Hahn Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
