The Perpay Marketplace (Credit Builder) : Objective Review
The Perpay Marketplace is a unique "Buy Now Pay Later" (BNPL) service designed for individuals with bad or no credit history. It acts as a catalog card that helps users build credit history safely and without accumulating debt, interest, or fees.
Perpay is a certified B Corp and operates as a financial technology company that partners with banks like Celtic Bank (Member FDIC).
How the Perpay Marketplace Works
The Marketplace operates differently than a traditional credit card. It is heavily integrated with your employment and direct deposit.
No Credit Check Whatsoever: Applying for a Perpay account will not affect your FICO® or Vantage® score. Your eligibility and spending limit (starting at $1,000, up to $3,500) are determined primarily by your W-2 income and employment status. However, Perpay may obtain information from alternative credit bureaus like Clarity Services, Inc., which could affect your credit profile with them.
Closed Loop System (Catalog Card): This is not a general-purpose credit card. You use your spending limit to shop for specific brands (Apple, Nike, Samsung, Sony) within the Perpay online marketplace only, which features over 1,000 brands. It does not have a Visa or Mastercard logo and cannot be used in other stores.
Payroll Direct Deposit Required: To use the service, you must set up a recurring direct deposit from your paycheck to your Perpay account. This allows Perpay to automatically deduct your payments over time, ensuring on-time payment history is reported.
0% Interest and No Fees: The product has a 0% interest rate and no activation or monthly fees.
Reports to All 3 Bureaus: Perpay reports your payment activity and spending limit to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, which is essential for building a comprehensive credit history.
Monitors Your Credit Score: You can monitor your credit score within the Perpay dashboard.
Average Score Increase: Users who report their payments see an average credit score increase of 32 points within the first 3 months.
The Pros and Cons: A Transparent Look
Here is a straightforward summary of the pros and cons of choosing the Perpay Marketplace:
Pros:
No Credit Check or Hard Inquiry: The application process does not harm your primary FICO® or Vantage® score.
0% Interest & No Fees: You will never pay interest charges or monthly service fees.
Build Credit Safely: Automated payments via direct deposit ensure on-time payment history without the risk of accumulating high-interest debt.
Instant Limit Access: No waiting for a physical card; you can use your limit instantly to shop the marketplace.
Certified B Corp: Meets high standards of transparency and accountability.
Cons (The Hard Truth) :
Mandatory Direct Deposit: Requires you to redirect a portion of your paycheck to Perpay, reducing flexibility in your primary banking setup.
Limited Usage: It's a closed-loop "catalog card" that can only be used within the Perpay online store, not anywhere else.
Arbitration Clause: By signing up, you agree to an arbitration clause, which impacts your legal rights in the event of a dispute.
Alternative Bureau Check: They check alternative credit bureaus (like Clarity Services, Inc.), which may impact that specific profile.
Mixed Customer Service Reviews: User reviews online frequently report significant issues with customer support and communication gaps, despite the company having an A+ BBB rating.
Who is this product best for?
The Perpay Marketplace is designed for specific users who can meet its unique requirements:
W-2 Employees: You must be a full-time, W-2 employee (no gig workers or self-employed individuals) with a direct deposit payroll system.
Individuals Needing Discipline: The automatic payment deduction is ideal for those who struggle to manually make payments on time.
Users Avoiding All Fees and Interest: This product is one of the safest ways to build credit history with minimal financial risk.
Users Who Need Specific Goods: It's a great option if you are planning to purchase items from the catalog and want to build credit at the same time.
Final Verdict
The Perpay Marketplace is a legitimate and innovative tool for building credit that prioritizes safety over flexibility. It bypasses traditional credit checks using a forced savings/automated payment model linked to your paycheck. With no fees and no interest, it’s a very safe way to build a payment history. While usage is limited to the Perpay online store, it’s an excellent option for disciplined individuals with full-time employment who need a structured, zero-cost path to a better credit score.