Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Kikoff vs Self

Kikoff 4.9★ · Free to download 65
Winner Tie
Self 4.9★ · Free to download 60

Kikoff has an edge for rapid credit building, but both apps face criticism regarding misleading score reporting and customer service issues, making Self a slightly more reliable option due to its savings-backed credit builder.

Full reviews: Kikoff · Self

Both Kikoff and Self aim to help users build credit, with many reporting significant score increases. However, both also face strong criticism for misleading credit score reporting, poor customer service, and issues with payments and refunds, making the choice dependent on individual priorities and risk tolerance.

Head to head

Credit Building Effectiveness edge: KikoffR2R8R13R15
Kikoff Many Kikoff users report significant and rapid credit score increases, with some seeing jumps of 90-200 points in a short period R2R8R13R15. However, a notable number of users claim their scores did not improve, or even dropped, after using Kikoff R14.
Self Self users also report success in improving their credit scores, with some experiencing increases within 90 days . Similar to Kikoff, some users state that their credit did not improve or was negatively impacted .
Accuracy of Credit Scores tieR3R9R38R61
Kikoff Several Kikoff users report that the credit scores shown in the app are significantly higher (100+ points) than what is reported by actual credit bureaus or seen by lenders R3R9R38. This discrepancy can lead to frustration when applying for loans or other credit products R9R38.
Self Self also faces criticism for inflated credit scores, with users noting a 30-40 point difference on average between the app's reported score and actual credit bureau scores R67. This can lead to users believing they qualify for products when they do not R67. Some users also report not being able to see their credit score at all within the app R61.
Features and Functionality tieR8R49R59R52
Kikoff Kikoff offers a credit line and a credit builder loan, with some users praising features like data leak removal and rent reporting R8R49R59. However, many users complain about the credit line not being usable anywhere R52 and false advertising regarding credit limits . Technical issues like app freezing, login problems, and verification failures are also reported .
Self Self offers a credit builder loan that acts as a savings account, and a secured credit card . Users appreciate the savings aspect and the ability to raise credit limits on the secured card . However, issues include slow payment processing , difficulty adding payments , and problems connecting bank accounts . Some users also feel harassed to get their credit card .
Customer Service and Support tieR1R14R16R36
Kikoff Kikoff users frequently report poor or non-existent customer service, with difficulties reaching anyone for assistance R14. Issues include problems with refunds R1R16 and billing discrepancies R36.
Self Self also receives significant criticism for poor customer service, with users describing it as non-existent, unhelpful, or relying on annoying AI chatbots R67. Specific complaints include issues with replacing lost cards and handling fraudulent charges .
Transparency and Fees tieR1R16R24R28
Kikoff Kikoff is accused of being a 'scam' by many users due to high fees, refusal to refund money upon early cancellation, and not clearly disclosing these policies R1R16R24R28. There are also reports of late payments being reported even after card updates .
Self Self is also called a 'scam' by some users, citing high interest rates on their credit card, exorbitant late fees, and charges for loans that are essentially users' own money . Users also report delays in receiving their money back after paying off loans .
Pick Kikoff if

You are looking for potentially rapid credit score increases and are comfortable with the risk of potentially misleading score reporting and customer service challenges R2R8R15R43.

Pick Self if

You prefer a credit builder that also helps you save money through a secured loan structure, and you are willing to navigate potential issues with payment processing and customer support .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews, often using strong language like 'scam' or 'horrible.' The positive reviews frequently highlight quick credit score increases, while negative reviews focus on fees, customer service, and misleading score reporting. The evidence for both is substantial on both positive and negative fronts.

Frequently asked

Do Kikoff and Self actually increase credit scores?
Yes, many users of both Kikoff and Self report significant increases in their credit scores, with Kikoff users sometimes seeing boosts of 90-200 points in a short period and Self users also noting improvements within 90 days R2R8R15R43. However, some users for both apps report no improvement or even a decrease in their scores R14.
Are the credit scores shown in Kikoff and Self accurate?
Users for both Kikoff and Self frequently report that the credit scores displayed within the apps are inflated and do not match the scores reported by actual credit bureaus or seen by lenders R3R9R38R67. This discrepancy can be as much as 100+ points for Kikoff and 30-40 points for Self, leading to frustration when applying for credit R3R9R38R67.
What are the common complaints about customer service for Kikoff and Self?
Both Kikoff and Self receive significant criticism for poor or non-existent customer service, with users reporting difficulties reaching support, unhelpful responses, and reliance on AI chatbots R14R67. Specific issues include problems with refunds, billing, and card replacements R1R16R36.
Do Kikoff and Self have hidden fees or misleading practices?
Many users accuse both Kikoff and Self of having hidden fees or misleading practices, often labeling them as 'scams' R1R16R28R30. Complaints include high fees, refusal to refund money upon early cancellation, unexpected charges, and high interest rates on credit products R1R16R36.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] Kikoff 5/5 · US Happy: I do not regret signing up with Kikoff I have a 639 credit score thanks to u all so quick 😍
  2. [R8] Kikoff 5/5 · US Great app: Helloed raise my credit score by 200 points and still climbing. Have been recommending this app to everyone to help build their credit score. It has multiple features that come in handy with the 3000 dollar plan. It’s helped remove my information from sites from data leaks
  3. [R13] Kikoff 5/5 · US kikoff review: i like this app it has successfully raised my score significantly from a 4 20 something to now a six o 9
  4. [R15] Kikoff 5/5 · US Best credit app!: My credit boosted so quickly within just weeks of having this app super worth it I paid for the $35 a month let me tell you so worth it I’ve got approvals for other credit cards because of my credit and my credit has gone from the 500s to almost 700s I’m so pleased with this app worth every penny!! Get it now!!
  5. [R3] Kikoff 3/5 · US Not 100% accurate: I’m writing this in hope that I’m wrong in the future but as for now it shows I’m up 113 my score on KO is 652 on 2 and 618 on 1, but on the actual app for those credit bureaus it’s showing 580 and lower so I’m not 100% sure if it’s just a time issue or what
  6. [R9] Kikoff 3/5 · US Great and easy to use: I love how easy this app is to use. I’ve paid credit repair companies hundreds to do what this app does automatically. My only complaint is that the score it shows is misleading. It does not show the score that mortgage or car lenders pull (which is usually much much lower - 100+ pts lower than what Kikoff shows). But it is still a great tool for credit repair.
  7. [R38] Kikoff 2/5 · US The good and the bad: My credit went up! But I know my credit score doesn’t match what Chase says my score is, and what Chase sees is what matters. It’s like a difference of 20 experian points. Also, I applied for a small loan through their app, and the only thing I got is phone calls every single day.
  8. [R61] Self 1/5 · US Not happy: Can’t see my credit score which makes me want to end my contract
  9. [R49] Kikoff 5/5 · US Love it: I’ve been using Kikoff since September 2025 and my score is up almost 100 points! I genuinely cannot believe it. I have the credit line and the credit builder loan they offer. I also opened a secure credit card in February 2026 so that’s also helped.
  10. [R59] Kikoff 5/5 · US Best app to build credit: Kickoff has been amazing for helping me build my credit! I joined in February 2026 with a credit score of 580, and since then my score has increased by 128 points to 708. I honestly didn’t expect such great results in such a short amount of time. The app is easy to use, the process is simple, and it really works if you’re serious about improving your credit. I’m also usi
  11. [R52] Kikoff 1/5 · US Stopped using: I stop using this cause the credit line they give you doesn’t work anywhere, but yet I was paying monthly faithfully. And my score didn’t go up much at all!!!
  12. [R1] Kikoff 1/5 · US Credit builder scam: Don’t do the credit building program they charge high fees and won’t give you your money back if you cancel early and they DO NOT TELL YOU THAT WHEN CANCELLING so I’m out 250$
  13. [R14] Kikoff 1/5 · US Nightmare: WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT SIGN UP My credit has only gotten worse. I’ve been told by lenders that these type of apps are counted as negative remarks on your credit. They take my money every month and nothing changes. Been paying 2 years now and I just want it to end. Can’t get through to anyone on customer service no matter how many times I try. I’ve cancelled all my Netflix and streami
  14. [R16] Kikoff 1/5 · US Refund: I started a Kikoff account and I was not using the credit card so I requested my money to be returned. They refuse. So this is a big scam
  15. [R36] Kikoff 1/5 · US Billing problems: My statement was due in the 23 I downgraded from the 20 dollar plan to the 5 on the 29 the first of the next month I got charged 20 dollars. But I was downgraded inmediatly to the 5 dolar plan. So to make it quick they charge me 20 dollar for only one week of the plan and they did reduce ni utilization the same 29 when I did the downgrade but STILL charge me the 20 dollars.
  16. [R24] Kikoff 1/5 · US Ad vs experience: Scam
  17. [R28] Kikoff 2/5 · US Will tank your score: I’m tired of apps like these. They advertise a $3k credit limit for a monthly fee, and they report that on your credit. But in reality you do not get any credit. And if you miss your monthly payment, they tell credit companies that you owe them hundreds of dollars past due. They basically lie to credit bureaus professionally. I am not sure how this is even legal.
  18. [R43] Kikoff 5/5 · US it does work!: been looking for a good credit building app and this is the one! 90 points in 30 days! and it’s keeps on climbing. i actually am so grateful, i highly recommend this app.
  19. [R67] Self 1/5 · US The worst app: The company isn’t horrible. Inflated credit scores are super unhelpful…like a 30-40 point difference on avg from what they say it is and what the credit bureau says it is. That just leads to frustration when applying for things that you “qualify” for, only to find out you’re way off. Support is almost nonexistent but that’s every company that uses these wildly annoying AI chat bots.
  20. [R30] Kikoff 1/5 · US Scam: Scam

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store