For decades, access to credit has hinged on traditional scoring models that weigh a narrow set of financial behaviors like timely loan payments, credit card balances, and length of credit history, among others. But this system doesn’t work for everyone. Millions of Americans who pay their rent, utilities, or phone bills on time still lack the history required to generate a strong credit score. As a result, they’re often denied fair access to lending or face higher rates than their financial behavior warrants.