Credit Sesame: Build Score Reviews

by Mike Hawk Bernstein

So I have been working on my credit. I worked hard and then Capital One cancelled my cash secured credit card despite the fact that I never even came close to exceeding my credit limit and I made payments twice per month to work on showing timely payments. After sending me the remainder of my balance, Capital One then send my deposit back but than began billing me for unknown charges and reflected it as late payments. All my hard work for nothing because Capital Ones actions lowered my score from 630 to 575. I then signed up for CreditSesame. One suggestion was that I open a new credit account and it listed several credit card that I had a very good chance of getting approved for. I followed the suggestion to apply for a card but I was denied and this has lowered my score even more. CreditSesame hurt me credit even worse due to the denial and inquiry. DO NOT TRY THIS. I seriously regret it as it made my score worse - just like Capital One.

by Medic JD

Credit Sesame sent me a chance to obtain a Credit Card that I had a “Good” possibility of receiving. I could not find out anywhere on the display what type of “credit pull” was involved, it did not say in the FAQs, and there was no phone number or chat to ask.

All of the Card offers I had seen on other Credit Apps were “soft pulls” to see if you met their minimum requirements, so I tried it.

I got a Credit hurting Hard Pull, & turned down as well. Thanks Credit Sesame for lying to me about “Good” probability of success, & not warning me of a Hard Credit Pull which would have stopped me before I did damage.

Bottom Line, take everything Credit Sesame sends you with a 50 Pound bag of salt (not a grain). They are clearly NOT pre-screening properly & don’t really give a hoot about helping your credit. Just
pushing Cards to make money.

You will get massive useless emails.

They use TransUnion (may be part of it. I don’t know for sure). TransUnion is the worst of all Credit Reporters.

I’m done with you Credit Sesame. You tricked me once & cost me valuable points while you no doubt got paid with a bogus “matched to my credit offer.” You use crappy TransUnion. There are better Credit Apps out there (Credit Karma) which are more useful & transparent.

So, your sketchy marketing cost you this customer. I might look but I’ll never do any of your Credit Offers ever.

by Boyfriend #2

I am trying to rebuild my credit and downloaded this to help track my progress. After making an account, CreditSesame couldn't locate my credit file and was instructed to wait 30 days and try again. After a few months, saw a commercial for these guys on TV and thought I'd give it another try. First, couldn't log in with CreditSesame and was sure I knew the password, but I reset it anyways and it let me login to their website. They still couldn't locate my credit file. Then it still won't let me sign in on CreditSesame . I emailed their support and let them know the situation and attached copies of my I'D and social security card to help them locate my file. I can't see why they can't find it. I do have a credit score and have loved at the same address my entire life but whatever. I waited and almost a week later, still NO RESPONSE. Totally unprofessional. Don't waste your time.

by NeilEyes

CreditSesame is all about (Credit Sesame) advertisers, that's how Credit Sesame makes their money. You don’t get a complete credit report as other apps like Credit Karma and Credit Wise. Credit Sesame gives nothing more than a ”summary” statement without any details. Credit Sesame (and all other apps) give you a FAKO (Vantage Score), which is always higher so you can take advantage of their ”offers.” CreditSesame is always trying to get you to obtain its vendor services to the detriment of your credit. What Credit Sesame doesn't tell you is that your data is not safe on Credit Sesame. They sell it to their vendors, where you will be solicited incessantly for credit cards, loans, and other financial instruments. I don’t recommend using this service when there are so many other free apps that don’t abuse like Credit Sesame. People whose second language is English should especially stay clear of CreditSesame.

by Thessence

Woke up one day and couldn’t get in. I received a notification my score went up, but when I checked it said my email address and password didn’t match. So I changed the password and...same message. Tried different devices. Tried changing passwords again worried I’d been hacked. Made sure CreditSesame was updated...still same error.

Otherwise...

Don’t fall for the credit card offer scams. Many of them will dent your credit score and ding you if you apply for too many. Using the information about your payment history, credit usage etc is helpful. I use in conjunction with Credit Karma. I have learned a lot between the apps and my credit score is pretty high at this point. Just be prudent about the card advice...if you can log into CreditSesame !

by Fly2themoon

Thought CreditSesame would be similar to Credit Karma. Though slightly helpful to see my score in comparison to CK; the constant email blasts I receive encouraging to apply for credit cards is annoying. I’m trying to improve my credit!

I took their suggestion since they said it would help and eventually applied to a highly recommended one to see I prequalify for; only because they said it wouldn’t hurt my credit score. I was denied and my credit score took a hard inquiry.

I looked back to find the suggested credit card and found it no longer on their list. Not happy my score took a hit. I haven’t had one in about 2 years. I’m going to the credit bureaus to dispute due to the misrepresentation.

by Khriizj

It does everything that Karma does with some extra features. I would say they are the same but better? Just because they have extra features and options. But honestly it is a 3 star for me until by default they don’t bombard you with emails about applying for “suggested” credit cards, “tips” and how you should open a bank account with them. I literally get a total of 3 emails DAILY!!!!!!!!! From Credit Sesame. I have created my account a little over a week ago and I have close to like 50 emails from CreditSesame . It is like they are super desperate for you to use their applying forms or something. Like calm down. Chances are that if we are using services like yours our credit is trash 😂 so do not try so adamantly to make people apply for credit cards, read your stuff or apply for your banking things 3 times a day. It makes me feel like I am forced to do these things or that you are trying to sell a product rather than being here to help. I know you have to make money somehow but at least pretend you are on our side by lowering down the email bombardment. That shouldn’t be a manual option, it should be a setting by default.

by Clarky084

Your actions mean well yet you need to be aware of illegal actions of the Consumer Protection laws. On denying my rights to negotiate a fair contract on a SUV loan at a fair price to a fair interest charge. The beginning of my negotiations on one Chevy dealer placed almost 10 hard inquiries on me before I refused. When I negotiated with another on a better deal they hit me almost 10 inquires taking my credit score from 757 in beginning to 622. I have all those denials in copy. There needs to be a different approach on their calculations on this illegal action under the federal consumer protection laws prohibiting me from a fair playing field on all purchasing negotiations. Of which is my right to have under the law. I am sending all papers and acknowledgments to the US Banking Committee as well as US Consumer Protection Committee Along with the USAtty office to help me and others against this unjust credit liability on us Americans. Clarky

by HuffyPuffyBlowFish

My credit is BAD so obviously I downloaded CreditSesame to keep track and work on it. My score is displayed as “532”. And has been for a month and a half. I went to the bank 2 weeks ago and got a real credit report that said my actual score was 565. I then purchased the “refresh whenever for a week $1.99” option and refreshed everyday and saw no changes. I also paid off a good 60% of my credit usage in the first days of May, and it still tells me I’m utilizing 90% of my credit which is incorrect (last update on May 30). If you’re truly worried about your credit, you should contact your bank. Also do not download if you’re expecting an accurate reading of your credit score. :-)

Forgot to mention I paid off all of a car loan ($3000+) at the end of April and it still hasn’t changed on CreditSesame.

by Rwizard

I signed up with Credit Sesame prior to suggesting it to a younger family member just starting a career. Here are my thoughts:

Spams you to death. If you blindly follow CreditSesame you might end up with a bunch of less than ideal cards, and if you aren’t disciplined in their use you could wind up in credit hell.

So, use CreditSesame as one of your information resources, but remember they are trying to sell you as many cards as they can, and the cards they want to sell you are the ones that make them the most money.

I suggest new credit users/credit rebuilders get a secured card from a local bank or credit union.

If you cannot afford to fund a secured card then you are the last person on earth who should want a credit card - it will ultimately make a difficult financial life into an unending nightmare. You must solve your income vs. outflow problem first. Credit cards do not solve problems, they compound them.

Think of having a card like having a pet cobra - a cool thing to have, but if you let it out of the basket and it bites you, you are going to wish you hadn’t gotten it.

Likewise, Credit Sesame is moderately helpful as long as you don’t let them sell you a bunch of Ill tempered vipers for your basket, er, wallet.

Good luck.

by Blaq XIV

I won’t lie, out of all of the credit tracking apps, Credit Sesame is probably the best one I’ve used so far. I love how they get you matched up for credit card offers, for those who are trying to build credit. I love the suggestions as to what you can do to raise your credit score. What I’m not too thrilled with is the inaccurate reporting. My score that shows on Credit Sesame is nowhere near what my actual score is. They try to push my actual current score off as a potential score after following certain steps. Then, they have the nerve to charge you either $1.99 for 3 days or $4.99 for 30 days to instantly update your credit for you. Of course looking to see if it would show my actual score, I tried the 30 day service. Wouldn’t you know, there were no changes. It sounds like the perfect way to scam a lot of people out of some money. Not only that, after obtaining the cards they suggested, they would turn around and suggest them to me all over again. It’s a good product, just needs more work.

by Thisfoesntmakeanysence

I recently opened a sesame cash account something like a debit card you transfer money and use it as you would a bank card. It is supposed to help with you credit score. I’ve enjoyed CreditSesame, with the only exception that any money transfer takes 4-6 days in order for it to go through. I had transferred money to pay a bill and I ended up paying with a different credit card because it took so long for the money transfer from my bank to sesame to go through. Why does it take so long, where is the money while is transferring for almost a week. Almost makes me think that this money is being used for something else in that week period of time.?

by F0xm0m

This is a good free service if youre just starting to focus on your credit. Most of the information for my debts and accounts are fairly accurate. However, i also have access to my FICO score through my car note holder..and their score is 60points higher! Of course this may not reflect as much because i dont pay for the premium services, but basically if you have a good score here- you might have an even higher score in all actuality. Thats why i keep CreditSesame to have a reference point if i can get this score to reflect the FICO then my score should be substantially better! I will credit CreditSesame with helping me make a 457 into a 650 in under ONE YEAR! With help getting a secure card, and knowing whos holding my debts and what exactly i had to pay. They make this information very easy to understand. I had a lot of misconceptions about the reporting process, and this is a very clear concise way to help learn what makes a credit score.

by Jboogieoogie

I read several of the other reviews before adding mine and the only thing I would agree with is the amount of emails that I receive on a daily basis (yes, they are excessive). Everything else works as it should. Most of these free apps will only provide you with an updated score every 7 days (if there are significant changes to your report). In addition, most of them are only providing you with Vantage Scores not Fico Scores (which will be quite different because they use different scoring models/calculations). Also, both scores are equally important because what I’ve noticed is that sometimes a lender/creditor will grant you credit initially based off your Fico score but when granting credit line increases, they will use Vantage scores. So, yes Vantage scores are real and accurate and should be regarded as such.

by IthoughtIknew

Everybody kept telling me to join Credit Sesame in order to monitor my credit score and begin anew. My credit plummeted last year due to severe illness and inability to work. I stopped looking at my credit score because it was wicked depressing not being able to do anything about it.I felt helpless. So now rather than sit back and wallow, i’ve begun chipping away a little bit at a time and the joy is watching my credit score slowly but surely inch its way back. Credit sesame is giving me the inspiration I needed.

by Israelax

According to something I read Credit Sesame shows your Transunion Credit Score. It's great that it is offered free and if your search around CreditSesame you can learn which components impact your score the most - like keeping current with your payments.

Our credit scores are more important than we think. Employers can decide to hire you or not based on your score. Even our auto insurance rates can be impacted by your score. So it's important to know your score, how to bring it up or keep it up and with tools like Credit Sesame it's not only possible but free. 😊

by CRPS81

I can’t thank Credit Sesame enough for being or bring a debit/credit card out; I mean it help me in so many ways from direct deposit, paying bills or just giving me points for keeping money and spending it in a manageable way. I remember a few times I had low cash and didn’t have no money to eat, man out the blue they gave me ten bucks I guess for maintaining a account or for the direct deposits I had, anyway it help me get through the day big time and I thank you for it all. Credit Sesame is a choice over many debit cards out . Can’t go wrong with them. Thanks C.Price

by Exrenter

The suggestions I received on Credit Sesame helped me improve my credit score by about fifty points. I always felt it was important to maintain a good credit score but I didn’t know exactly what to do. I paid my bills on time and in full but I didn’t know that wasn’t enough. The suggestion about lowering my credit card balances dramatically improved my credit score.
As a result I recently qualified for and purchased my own condo. I’m no longer a renter. I got a fixed rate mortgage at the lowest rate I’ve ever seen. Credit Sesame played a big part in my improved situation. Of course God was the ring master and the shot caller.

by Northern Fl

Starting out I was in the highs 589? With no credit. I’ve built my credit up I was finally up to 698-2 pts away from 700 and when I bought a home it dropped by 20 points which was pretty disappointing. I honestly thought for sure that it would had jumped. They kept telling me I needed other accounts to Raise my Score. So I will just be Patient and wait to see it jump. I also did not know at all- That when you use your Credit Cards you only use 30%. I wished I had known that until about 8 MTHS ago or I would be in the 800’s no ?’s about it.
I love CreditSesame-It Rocks👍👍👍👍👍

by WhiteGoddess11

First off,
Ever since I had gotten the Credit Sesame App. I find myself going into CreditSesame to see my credit score. This has given me a sense of peace and gratitude.
I am 45 years old and have never had action on my my credit. Which kept my credit score at a low standard.
I was married for 16 years. Everything was in my ex husbands name. He controlled everything, from finances to having only his name in our bills. I didn’t know anything better. I just thought that is how things were. Until we divorced. It’s been a tough road for me. But things are looking great for me.
So with that said. I recently bought my first car. The greatest day in my life. Besides having my daughter.
Ever since I bought my car and making my car payments on time. My credit score jumped up to 685 points! Amazing!
Now having access to my score and the tools to keep increasing my score through the Credit Sesame. Has giving me comfort.
I encourage all to get CreditSesame. You won’t be disappointed. This gives you the push to keep moving forward in a positive motion.
Thank you Credit Sesame!

by Bruce In Phoenix

I signed up so I can see my credit score. Since then I’ve gotten tons of emails wanting me to sign up for credit cards. I don’t want any credit cards, I have plenty. My credit score is excellent, I’m retired and everything is paid for. Why would you want me to get more credit cards? Oh wait, you must make money based on how many people sign up for more credit cards. That trick may work with others but not me. You guys are nothing more than a drug dealer with your drug of choice being a credit card. The scary thing is, most of the sheeple you deal with are more then happy to go in dept. I’d give CreditSesame no stars if that was allowed. It would only be fitting for your company to go bankrupt.

by Osting III

I have been drastically working on my credit score for the last 3 1/2 years, and I finally got my credit score back up into the fair section when it’s been really poor but I’ve been able to pay off a lot of bills since I’ve been on disability and collecting my pension so majority of my bill that ruined my credit score was a back child support of $75,000 in Illinois and after 17 years my ex-wife decided she need to take me back to court for more money and end up raping me for 150,000 which 85,000 has been paid off that’s why my credit score is going up and I hope it goes up even farther as I stay with you instead of credit karma thank you very much and I really hope that my score keeps going up

by I'm A Girl Little Stomper123

Couldn’t get on the Credit Karma because somebody hacked me there and a friend told me about this site. it not only allowed me to create an account but it clearly displayed three fraudulent credit card uses that dropped me about 70 points
This site is incredibly helpful and my eyes have been opened to have the need for identity security just as you would get an alarm system for your house or car it’s no joke and you’re really really get screwed up on your credit tanks
I tell my kids your credit score is your adult report card

by Joey Grib

At one point I was with Credit Karma. Due to a lack of use I no longer had my login information. They made it impossible for me to retrieve access to my account without uploading personal information, which I was not comfortable with, and there appeared to be no human representatives to assist me. Therefore, I went with a suggestion to give Credit Sesame a try. Today is day one. The process of signing up was easy enough, and all of the information I no longer had access to, I now do. So far, I am quite pleased with my decision.

Thank you,
Joe

by Mbrieli4

Never heard of CreditSesame until my husband told me to download CreditSesame . I had credit karma before. But I have nothing but good things to say about CreditSesame. When I first started I was at the high 400 and this was back in January. Now I can honestly say it has really change my score. I have never been in the 700s and my score is at 734!!!! Follow the advice it tells you to do cuz if I would’ve never done it I would not be at where my score is at now. Oh and don’t fall back in those credit card habits either. Hope this helped.

by Abomb7682

I love CreditSesame . Some complain it advertises credit cards (it’s an advertiser driven free service!), but the cards they recommend are good cards, and they are accurate as to your chance of success. What’s much better is the easy ability to fight errors on your credit report, and easily coordinate between transunion and equifax. It’s solid, and I check CreditSesame often. Not glitchy or half assed. Does what the experian app wants you to subscribe a very high price for.