Credit glossary
Experian
One of the three nationwide credit bureaus, keeping a separate credit file on you and selling consumer products such as Experian Boost.
Experian's file is built from whatever its reporting lenders send, so it can differ from your Equifax and TransUnion files. Classic mortgage scoring uses FICO Score 2 on Experian data. Experian's free consumer score is a FICO 8, which is one reason the number in its app can differ from what a mortgage lender pulls.
Disputes by mail go to Experian, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013, and freezes are free through Experian's freeze center. Experian Boost lets you add on-time utility, phone, streaming and some rent payments, but only to your Experian file, so it can change Experian-based scores and does nothing at the other two bureaus.
Guides that go deeper
- Why your three credit scores don't match, and when to worryYour Experian, Equifax and TransUnion scores come from three separate files updated on different days. What causes the gap, and when it points to an error.
- Experian Boost, UltraFICO and cash-flow data: what lenders seeExperian Boost edits one bureau's file and some scores. UltraFICO needs a lender to offer it. See which scores each one touches and when to use it.
- Why your free app score doesn't match your lender'sFree apps usually show VantageScore 3.0 or FICO 8, while lenders pull auto, bankcard or mortgage versions. How to see something closer to their number.
Sources
- Dispute credit report information, Experian
- Security Freeze Center, Experian
- Experian Boost, Experian
- Why Is My Credit Score Different When Lenders Check My Credit?, Experian
- FICO Score versions, myFICO
This is education, not legal or financial advice. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll fix it.