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 COMED Report to Credit Bureaus
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
COMED does not routinely report your payment history to the major credit bureaus, so on-time payments won't boost your score. However, if your account becomes delinquent and is sent to a collections agency, that negative mark will almost certainly appear on your credit report.
COMED and Your Credit
COMED, a unit of Exelon Corporation, is the largest electric utility in Illinois. It delivers power to most of the northern part of the state, including the city of Chicago. As a utility provider, its primary service is supplying electricity to millions of residential and business customers.
COMED's services don't include traditional credit products like loans or credit cards. However, your monthly utility bill is a post-paid service. If an account becomes delinquent, COMED may report the unpaid balance to credit bureaus, which can negatively affect your credit score, similar to other collections accounts.
Does COMED Report to Credit Bureaus?
There is no definitive public information confirming if COMED reports to major credit bureaus. Utility companies often don't report on-time payments but may report delinquent accounts to collections, which then appears on your credit report. For specifics, it's best to contact COMED support directly.
However, if a utility company does report, here are common triggers:
- Account Opening: Opening a new account can result in a soft or hard inquiry on your credit report.
- Late Payments: Payments are typically reported as late only after they become 30, 60, or 90 days overdue.
- Collections: An unpaid account sent to a collections agency is almost always reported and can significantly lower your score.
- Statement Closing: Payment status is generally updated and reported to bureaus shortly after your monthly statement closing date.
Who Does COMED Report Credit Information to?
While it's not publicly confirmed which, if any, credit bureaus COMED reports to, utility companies that do share data typically work with the three major agencies:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
When does COMED Report to Credit Bureaus?
There isn't a specific, predetermined schedule for when ComEd reports to credit bureaus. Unlike credit card issuers who may report monthly, a utility company's reporting is typically triggered by specific negative events. The primary trigger is a severely delinquent account. If a customer fails to pay their bill for an extended period, and the debt is subsequently turned over to a collection agency, it is this collection action that will almost certainly be reported. Therefore, the timing is not based on a set calendar but rather on individual account factors and the point at which an unpaid balance escalates to collections.
How Reporting Can Affect Your Credit Score
Positive impact
- Making consistent, on-time payments to COMED helps build a positive payment history, the most significant factor in both FICO and VantageScore models.
- Adding a utility tradeline can diversify your credit mix, showing lenders you can responsibly manage different types of financial obligations, potentially boosting scores.
Potential negatives
- A single late payment reported by COMED can lower your credit score, as payment history accounts for a large portion of your overall score.
- Failing to pay your bill can result in the account being sent to collections, creating a serious derogatory mark that harms your score.
Tips for Managing Credit with COMED
- Always pay your bill by the due date to avoid late fees. Consider setting up automatic payments through your COMED account for convenience and peace of mind.
- Regularly review your statement for accuracy. Understanding your usage patterns can help you identify ways to conserve energy and lower future bills, making payments more manageable.
- If you anticipate trouble paying, contact COMED immediately. They offer payment arrangements that can help you manage your debt without service interruption or credit issues.
- Enroll in Budget Billing to average your energy costs over the year. This provides a predictable monthly payment, making it much easier to budget accordingly.
- Explore financial assistance options like LIHEAP or ask about COMED's supplemental programs if you are facing hardship. These resources can provide critical short-term relief.
Get More From Your Credit Cards
For those wanting to elevate their credit card benefits, Kudos stands out as the premier free tool for online shopping. Plus, we have a limited-time offer of $20 back on your first qualifying purchase when you register for free using code "GET20" and buy from a Boost merchant.
Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member
Turn your online shopping into even more rewards
Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances
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.
.webp)
.webp)
