Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Does American First Finance Report to Credit Bureaus
July 1, 2025

Quick Answer
American First Finance reports your payment history to at least one major credit bureau. This means consistent, on-time payments can help build your credit, while missed payments will likely harm your score.
American First Finance and Your Credit
American First Finance is a financial technology company that provides payment solutions to consumers. It partners with a wide network of merchants, enabling them to offer financing options at the point of sale, particularly for customers who may not have access to traditional credit products.
The company primarily offers retail installment contracts and lease-to-own agreements. These financing arrangements can be reported to credit bureaus. As a result, an account with American First Finance may appear on your credit report, potentially influencing your credit score and overall credit history.
Does American First Finance Report to Credit Bureaus?
American First Finance does not publicly detail its credit reporting practices. While some lenders report all payment activity, others may only report negative information like delinquencies. For the most accurate details on what is shared with bureaus, it is best to contact their support team directly.
If they do report to credit bureaus, the information is typically shared based on specific triggers, such as:
- Account Opening: A new account may be added to your credit file, impacting your credit history and inquiries.
- Payment History: On-time or late payment status is usually reported after each statement closing date.
- Late Payments: Payments that are more than 30 days late are often reported, negatively impacting your credit score.
- Account Status Changes: Account closure or a charge-off status is typically reported and reflected on your credit history.
Who Does American First Finance Report Credit Information to?
While American First Finance does not specify which bureaus it partners with, credit information is typically reported to the three major agencies:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
When does American First Finance Report to Credit Bureaus?
American First Finance doesn't adhere to a rigid, universal schedule for reporting to credit bureaus. Instead of updating on a specific day each month, their reporting is triggered by various factors unique to each account. These can include your payment activity, the overall status of your financing agreement, and other individual events. Consequently, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer; the timing of when your information is sent to the credit bureaus depends entirely on your specific circumstances and account history.
How Reporting Can Affect Your Credit Score
Positive impact
- Making consistent, on-time payments can build a positive payment history, which is the most significant factor in most credit scoring models.
- Successfully managing a retail installment contract or lease agreement can diversify your credit mix, potentially giving your score a slight boost.
Potential negatives
- Any late or missed payments can be reported to the credit bureaus, which will negatively impact your payment history and lower your score.
- The initial application may result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can cause a small and temporary dip in your score.
Tips for Managing Credit with American First Finance
- Always make your payments on or before the due date. Consistent, on-time payments are crucial for maintaining a good standing and avoiding any potential late fees.
- Before you sign, carefully review your budget to ensure you can comfortably afford the monthly payments. This simple step prevents future financial stress and keeps you on track.
- Take time to fully read and understand your financing agreement, including all fees and interest rates. Knowing the details helps you manage your account effectively.
- Consider paying more than the minimum amount whenever possible. This strategy can help you pay off your balance sooner and may reduce your total financing costs.
- If you foresee payment difficulties, contact customer support proactively. They may offer solutions to help you stay on track and avoid negative consequences on your account.
Get More From Your Credit Cards
For those wanting to maximize their credit card rewards, Kudos stands out as the premier free shopping assistant for your online purchases. Better yet, you can currently receive $20 back after your first qualifying buy at a Boost merchant—simply sign-up for free with code "GET20".
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.