- July 23, 2025
- Posted by General Electric Credit Union
- 5 read
Can Bills Affect Your Credit Score?
Bills—they’re the quiet constants of adult life. Whether it’s utilities, rent, subscriptions, or those "buy now, pay later" installments, they keep coming around like clockwork. Staying on top of them isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it could also influence your credit score. But not all bills carry the same weight in the eyes of the credit bureaus. Let’s break down which bills matter most when it comes to credit—and which ones you might have more wiggle room with.
That said, some lenders use alternative scoring models that do factor in consistent utility and rent payments. Services like Experian Boost™ allow you to opt in and add these payments to your credit file. But this only affects your score with Experian—and lenders might pull data from a different bureau that doesn’t see this portion of your history.
Be aware: falling far behind on your utility bills can still come back to haunt your score. If your debt is sent to collections, the account can remain on your credit report for up to seven years.
How does Buy Now Pay Later work? Well, these short-term installment loans are popular for breaking up purchases into smaller chunks, often interest-free. In fact, one in five Americans used a BNPL service in 2023.1 But starting in fall 2025, credit scoring companies like FICO will begin factoring BNPL into two of their models.
This means your BNPL habits—such as timely payments or stacking multiple loans—can now influence your score. Missed payments will likely lower it, while regular, on-time payments may help build it. If you use platforms like Afterpay, Klarna, or Affirm, it’s time to treat BNPL like any other loan.
Other bills that already affect your credit score include:
If you’re a General Electric Credit Union (GECU) member, you can take advantage of free Bill Pay tools linked to your checking account.2 Bills may never be fun, but managing them smartly can set you up for stronger financial health—and a better credit score!
Bills that don’t impact your credit score
Good news (for some): most utility bills—like water, gas, and electricity—don’t affect your credit score by default. That’s because utility companies generally don’t report payment activity to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax®, Experian™, and TransUnion®. So, if you’re always prompt with your payments, you may be disappointed that this consistency isn't reflected in your credit history. On the other hand, if you've missed a few payments, you may be relieved.That said, some lenders use alternative scoring models that do factor in consistent utility and rent payments. Services like Experian Boost™ allow you to opt in and add these payments to your credit file. But this only affects your score with Experian—and lenders might pull data from a different bureau that doesn’t see this portion of your history.
Be aware: falling far behind on your utility bills can still come back to haunt your score. If your debt is sent to collections, the account can remain on your credit report for up to seven years.
How can I ensure I never miss a utility payment?
- Utilize online tools. Some financial institutions offer Bill Pay tools to consolidate all of your bills into one online account. This simplifies the process and ensures every payment is accounted for. Because the tool links to the bank accounts you have with the financial institution – such as a checking account – you won’t even need to get up and look for your wallet. Just select where you want to pay from and schedule it!
- Embrace automatic payments. If you have dependable monthly access to funds, consider setting up automatic payments. Set this up through your financial institution’s Bill Pay tool or opt into automatic payments on each individual utility company’s website.
Bills that do impact your credit score
Some bills directly affect your credit—especially when tied to borrowing. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are one such category that’s shifting quickly. These apps are used for purchases ranging from clothing to technology. There are even Buy Now Pay Later flights!How does Buy Now Pay Later work? Well, these short-term installment loans are popular for breaking up purchases into smaller chunks, often interest-free. In fact, one in five Americans used a BNPL service in 2023.1 But starting in fall 2025, credit scoring companies like FICO will begin factoring BNPL into two of their models.
This means your BNPL habits—such as timely payments or stacking multiple loans—can now influence your score. Missed payments will likely lower it, while regular, on-time payments may help build it. If you use platforms like Afterpay, Klarna, or Affirm, it’s time to treat BNPL like any other loan.
Other bills that already affect your credit score include:
- Credit card payments
- Mortgage loans
- Car loans
- Student loans
- Personal loans
Take control of your bill payments
You can’t control everything, but you can create strategies to make bills more manageable. Tools like your bank or credit union’s Bill Pay feature can help consolidate payments, reduce missed due dates, and simplify your monthly budget. Setting up automatic payments can also add structure—but be cautious if your checking account balance tends to run low, which may leave you at risk of an overdraft.If you’re a General Electric Credit Union (GECU) member, you can take advantage of free Bill Pay tools linked to your checking account.2 Bills may never be fun, but managing them smartly can set you up for stronger financial health—and a better credit score!