Settl vs TransUnion SmartMove: Which Is Better for Renters?
The short answer
Settl vs TransUnion SmartMove — full comparison for renters. Soft credit check (VantageScore 4.0, no score impact), Plaid bank verification, 90-day portability. Here's which is better for your situation.
Settl vs TransUnion SmartMove: Which Is Better for Renters?
Both Settl and TransUnion SmartMove are tenant screening products — but they work very differently and serve different needs. Here's a side-by-side breakdown.
The Core Difference
TransUnion SmartMove is a traditional credit-based screening service. It pulls your credit report, criminal history, and eviction records. It's landlord-initiated — your landlord sends you an invite, you submit to a check, and results go back to the landlord. You pay per application, every time.
Settl Verified Passport is renter-owned portable verification. Instead of a credit report, Settl uses Plaid to connect directly to your bank and verify your income, balance, and payment history. You pay $99 once and share the report with unlimited landlords for 30 days. Under Colorado's HB25-1236 (PTSR law), landlords must accept Settl Verified Passport in lieu of running their own screening.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Settl Verified Passport | TransUnion SmartMove |
|---|---|---|
| Who initiates | You (renter) | Your landlord |
| Credit check | Soft pull — VantageScore 4.0, no score impact | Yes — hard or soft pull |
| SSN required | No | Yes |
| Credit score impact | Zero | Possible |
| Income verification | Bank-direct via Plaid | Self-reported / document upload |
| Portability | 30 days, unlimited landlords | Single application |
| Cost to renter | $99 one time | $29–$42 per screening |
| Document uploads | None | Yes (pay stubs, etc.) |
| Fraud protection | Bank data can't be faked | Documents can be fabricated |
| Gig worker / 1099 support | Strong (bank deposits count) | Weak (relies on pay stubs) |
| International / thin-file | Works fine | Often rejected |
| PTSR / HB25-1236 compliant | Yes | No |
| Landlord references | Yes — verified ratings from past landlords | No |
| Verified data sources | 10 verification layers | Credit + background only |
When SmartMove Makes Sense
SmartMove is a solid choice if:
- Your landlord requires it specifically
- You have strong US credit history and the landlord is credit-focused
- You're applying to large apartment complexes with standardized screening
When Settl Is the Better Choice
Settl Verified Passport is better when:
- You have thin credit or no US credit history
- You're a gig worker, freelancer, or 1099 earner
- You're applying to multiple properties and want to pay once
- You want to protect your credit score from repeated pulls
- You want to show landlords your actual bank balance and income, not a 3-digit number
- You're in Colorado (or any PTSR state) — landlords must accept your Passport
The Fraud Angle
SmartMove relies partly on documents (pay stubs, bank statements) that can be fabricated. Settl bypasses all documents — data flows directly from your bank via Plaid's read-only API. There is nothing for a fraudulent applicant to fabricate.
This is why forward-thinking landlords increasingly prefer Settl Verified Passport profiles: a Plaid-verified income figure is more trustworthy than a SmartMove report that still accepts document uploads. And landlord reference ratings — verified through Settl's platform — add a layer of real-world tenancy history no credit bureau can provide.
Cost Comparison
If you apply to 5 properties:
- SmartMove: $29–$42 × 5 = $145–$210 in screening fees
- Settl Verified Passport: $99 once, share with all 5 landlords
Settl wins on cost at 2+ applications.
Verdict
For renters with strong traditional credit applying to one property: SmartMove works fine.
For everyone else — gig workers, internationals, thin-file renters, anyone applying to multiple properties — Settl Verified Passport is more affordable, more private, and more accurate.
Settl Team
Settl Editorial
Settl helps renters stand out in competitive markets through verified identity, income, and rental verifications. Trusted by landlords across the US.
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