Turn your rent payments into recognized credit history.
For many people, rent is the largest monthly payment they make, yet it is rarely counted when it comes to building credit.
Civida is offering tenants a new optional program that lets your rent payments help build your credit history, without changing how you pay rent or your housing with Civida.
About the Credit Empowerment Program
The Credit Empowerment Program gives you the choice to have your on time rent payments reported to a Canadian credit bureau.
- Choosing not to join does not affect your housing, rent, or tenancy with Civida.
- Enrolling is voluntary. Choosing not to participate will never affect your rent, tenancy, or relationship with Civida
What it is
-
- Your monthly rent payments may be reported to Equifax, a major Canadian credit bureau
- Reporting is done through Civida’s partner, Binta Financial
- Over time, consistent rent on time rent payments may help build or strengthen your credit history
- Participation is optional and voluntary
- You gain access to exclusive tools and education that support long-term financial confidence
Program cost
The cost of the program is $5 per month.
- The fee is collected alongside your rent while you are enrolled
- It is separate from rent
- Participation is optional
- You can leave the program at any time
Benefits of strong credit
A stronger credit history can help with:
- Renting in the private market
- Working towards home ownership
- Setting up utilities or phone plans
- Accessing fair financial services
Many people pay rent on time for years but don’t get credit for it. This program helps make that responsibility count. Credit building takes time and looks different for everyone. Results are not guaranteed.
This program is:
- Optional and voluntary
- Based on your consent
- Designed to support credit building over time
This program is not:
- A loan
- New debt
- A requirement for housing
- Part of any housing decision
How the program works
-
1. You choose to enroll
Participation is your decision and optional.
-
2. You give consent
Enrollment only happens with your permission.
-
3. Rent is reported
Information about your rent payments is shared with Binta Financial and may be reported to Equifax.
-
4. Credit builds over time
Credit outcomes vary and depend on many factors.
What you need to know
Your privacy and choice
- Civida does not see your credit score or credit report
- Civida does not receive updates about your credit results
- Your Information is handled according to Canadian privacy laws
- You can leave the program whenever you choose
Is this right for you
This program may be a good fit if you:
- Live in a Civida mixed income or affordable (near-market) housing community
- Pay your rent on time
- Want to start building or improving credit
- Plan to rent or apply for services where credit is considered
This program may not be right for everyone. The choice is yours.
How to leave the program
You can leave the program at any time.
To cancel your enrollment, contact your District office or email [email protected] and let us know you would like to withdraw. Your request will be processed within 30 days.
Leaving the program does not affect your housing with Civida.
Questions?
We’re here to help.
Contact your District office or email [email protected]
Ready to enroll?
Enrollment takes about one minute.
Contact your District office to enroll.
About Binta Financial
The Credit Empowerment Program is delivered in partnership with Binta Financial, a Canadian organization focused on expanding access to fair, transparent financial tools.