We can unequivocally say artificial intelligence (AI) is single-handedly transforming industries right in front of our eyes. From improving fraud detection to developing AI-powered chatbots to manage customer inquiries, AI is reshaping how businesses innovate and operate. As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, businesses across the spectrum have to continue balancing innovation with ensuring the technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner. At Experian, we believe the dual focus not only drives our technological advancements forward but reinforces our commitment to helping provide fair and transparent outcomes for consumers. We recognize the power of AI lies in its ability to transform data into actionable insights, empowering businesses to make more informed decisions, enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiencies. For instance, we recently launched the Experian Assistant, which is part of the Experian Ascend Platform. This agentic AI tool leverages natural language inputs to help reduce the time it takes to develop complex analytical models and solve for multifaceted use cases. In addition, the tool allows financial institutions to explore vast datasets and deliver more value to customers.  However, with great power comes great responsibility. As we continue to harness the technology and unlock the full potential of AI, we are committed to understanding and defining the right frameworks for responsible innovation and the ethical use of AI solutions.  Our approach to the responsible use of AI allows us to get ahead of the potential risks instead of responding and reacting. Experian’s governance frameworks on the use of AI are built on intentional and deliberate choices about our policies and principles; it empowers us to innovate, as well as build trust with our clients, consumers and the broader community.  We believe that ethical AI use is a fundamental aspect of our corporate responsibility. In addition to our internal governance, we actively collaborate with our clients and other industry leaders to help shape the future of AI. Actively engaging with industry stakeholders allows to us to contribute to the standards that help promote transparency, fairness and accountability. While we are excited about the potential of AI and its ability to transform the financial services industry and beyond, we are steadfast in our commitment to its responsible use. To realize the full promise of AI, all stakeholders need to be a force for positive change. Related Posts

While the credit reporting industry is designed to help lenders and creditors minimize risk and assess consumers’ ability and willingness to repay outstanding debt, let’s be clear: the consumer is our main priority. Every lending decision and action is made with the consumers’ best interest in mind. Because consumers rely on credit and other loan products to purchase homes and cars, pay for college, afford goods and services, and even bridge the gap during emergencies, the credit reporting industry has been at the forefront of broadening access to fair and affordable financial resources.   Risk-based pricing has made it possible for more consumers to access credit, particularly those with limited-to-no credit history or subprime credit profiles. Previously, lenders may have opted not to extend credit to consumers considered higher risk; but more and more, lenders are empowered to tailor borrowing terms based on a consumer’s credit history. In addition, because lenders don’t have to absorb unforeseen risk, lower borrowing costs can be maintained for all consumers. Experian has long advocated for expanded data sources, such as rent and utilities payments, to be incorporated onto consumer credit reports and considered in lending decisions. In 2019, we launched a product  that empowers consumers to add positive payment history for utilities, telecoms and video streaming services—and eventually residential rent—directly into their Experian credit report. Our efforts coincide with legislation, such as S.2417 – the Credit Access and Inclusion Act, introduced by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in 2021, which encourages the reporting of consumer payment history, including rent, utilities, and telecom services, to the nationwide credit reporting agencies. This is key to broadening access to fair and affordable credit for underserved consumers.  The industry needs to continue to explore other avenues that can help consumers improve their financial health, such as the role that buy now, pay later information can play in increasing financial inclusion. Empowering consumers to take control Beyond legislation or the use of expanded data, many non-profit and community based organizations are championing initiatives that drive greater financial inclusion. Organizations such as Inclusiv, Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, HomeFree-USA, National Urban League and the Society for Financial Education & Personal Development, among others, are helping individuals and households from underserved communities navigate the mainstream financial system and take control of their financial lives. Experian and other financial institutions are partnering with non-profit organizations with deep roots in communities, allowing them to connect with community leaders and individuals on a more personal level. Every individual enters the credit ecosystem at a different stage so it’s important that banks and financial institutions listen to the specific challenges they’re experiencing. For example, individuals may be searching for credit monitoring and alerts, budgeting tools or ways to put more money back into their wallets, such as finding cost-efficient options for auto insurance. Providing individuals and households with the financial knowledge and access to tools better positions them to become financially independent. The credit reporting industry continues to provide more resources and transparency to help improve consumers’ financial health. All individuals deserve the opportunity to establish and build their credit so they are able to elevate and maintain their financial status.

People rely on credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and auto loans, among other financial products to buy homes, fund college educations, weather temporary income disruptions and finance billions of daily transactions for goods and services. Credit is the cornerstone of the pursuit of our financial ambitions. That’s why the credit reporting industry is deeply committed to broadening access to fair and affordable financial resources for all consumers, particularly for individuals and households from underserved communities. The commitment is underscored by the continual effort to evolve the credit reporting system and incorporate new data sets to provide lenders a more comprehensive view of consumers’ ability and capacity to repay outstanding debt. Although progress has been made to extend credit to more prospective borrowers across the risk spectrum, if we want to continue to broaden the scope, we need to encourage the consistent reporting of additional predictive data sources to help lenders assess consumers’ creditworthiness. A proven track record but there’s more work to do Over the past century, the credit reporting industry transitioned from an opaque system founded on relationships to one rooted in data. Lenders lean on past payment history on similar loans (i.e., auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, etc.) as a reliable predictor of a borrower’s future loan payment performance—it’s a way for them to mitigate risk and say “yes” to more borrowers.   And it works. The comprehensive reporting of past loan performance, coupled with increasingly sophisticated statistical prediction models, as well as the adoption of risk-based pricing, accelerated the extension of credit to more consumers. Yet, according to research from Experian and Oliver Wyman, millions of Americans lack access to mainstream credit because they are credit invisible, unscorable or have a subprime credit score. It’s particularly challenging for younger individuals, newly arrived immigrants and historically underserved communities, such as racial and ethnic minorities. At times it can be a catch-22; in order to get credit, you have to have credit. More predictive data is key At Experian, we’ve long understood that expanding the universe of creditworthy borrowers requires more data. In addition to some of the more conventional tradelines, such as mortgages, auto loans and credit cards, we have to explore expanded data sources that are predictive of a prospective borrower’s credit risk. For instance, more consumers are using buy now, pay later (BNPL) products, and nearly every consumer makes recurring monthly payments for rent, utilities, cell phones and even video streaming services, yet oftentimes, these data points are not consistently reported to the credit reporting agencies nor considered during lending decisions. Collectively, the industry and regulators, need to do more to encourage the consistent reporting and inclusion of expanded data onto consumers’ credit reports.    In fact, based on our research, we’ve found that some of the aforementioned expanded data sources can empower lenders to assess the credit risk of a significantly larger pool of consumers. These expanded data sources have been shown to be highly accurate predictors of future loan payment behavior. And, when expanded data is combined with advanced analytics, up to 96% of the population can be scored, including an estimated 65% of credit invisibles.1 Broadening access to fair and affordable credit for more consumers means leaning into combining conventional tradelines with expanded Fair Credit Report Act-regulated data sources. The more information lenders have available to them about prospective borrowers’ past payment performance the more empowered they are to minimize risk and more confidently extend credit. Pushing for more data is the best path forward.

As someone proudly of Mexican heritage, I’ve felt a deep responsibility to ensure that the Hispanic community has access to the tools and resources needed to thrive financially. That’s why I’m incredibly excited to announce the launch of our brand campaign, “BFF” — Big Financial Friend — in Spanish that will air in Spanish-language programming this fall. This campaign is more than just advertising to me. It’s about speaking directly to Hispanic families in the language of trust and inclusion and showing them that Experian is here to support their financial journey every step of the way. Last year, we took a bold step in that direction by relieving $10 million in consumer debt for over 5,000 Hispanic families across the country. This initiative, in partnership with ForgiveCo, was designed to provide immediate relief while also opening doors to long-term financial wellness. Each recipient received a free one-year premium Experian membership, including access to their credit report in Spanish, bilingual educational content, and tools to help manage bills, subscriptions, and credit card options tailored to their needs. This work is not only important to me but to our organization demonstrating our commitment to financial inclusion. Our research shows that Hispanic consumers are disproportionately affected by limited access to credit and financial education. In fact, 72% of Hispanic respondents in an Experian survey said that more financial education would help reduce stress about their financial situation. That’s why we’re committed to delivering Financial Power to All, and why doing campaigns like BFF in-language is so important. We’re not just translating ads — we’re translating opportunity. We’re making sure that every family, regardless of language or background, knows that Experian is here to help them build credit, reduce debt, and achieve their financial goals. Because when we do, we don’t just build inclusive campaigns — we build better futures. You can see Experian this fall on the popular morning show Despierta America, as well as during telecasts of the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards and the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® on Telemundo and TelevisaUnivision. Please visit our Spanish Resources page to access educational articles. Watch our first commercial in Spanish here. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month.

Experian is evolving — and it’s not just a shift in how we show up to consumers, it’s a transformation in how we think about our role in people’s lives. We’re entering a new era, and I want to share what that means for us and the millions of consumers we serve. For years, we’ve been known as a credit bureau. And while that legacy is something to be proud of, it’s only part of our story. Today, we are so much more. Experian delivers a robust consumer financial platform that empowers people to take control of their financial lives and realize their financial dreams. Meet Experian, your BFF We’ve built tools that help people compare auto insurance[i], potentially lower their bills[ii], find the right credit cards, and make smarter financial decisions. But here’s the challenge: many consumers might not know the full extent of what we offer and how we can help them. That’s why we’re launching a bold new brand campaign that brings our mission of Financial Power to All to life in a different way. In a multi-dimensional campaign, actor Sam Richardson steps into the role of a consumer’s Big Financial Friend or “BFF,” a larger-than-life character who helps people navigate their financial journeys. With this new campaign – Experian’s first brand re-do since 2016 – we are bringing fresh creative and messaging to consumers to create more awareness about how Experian has their back and can help them throughout their financial lives. It’s important for consumers to have a knowledgeable financial partner they can rely on as they navigate their financial journeys, and we want to be their “BFF” no matter where they are on that journey. We know that many people are facing financial uncertainty right now, like rising costs, economic volatility, and growing anxiety about the future. That’s why our mission matters more than ever. Financial Power to All isn’t a tagline. It’s a commitment  that we will continue to build tools, share knowledge, and create access for everyone, no matter where they are in their financial journey. We have the data, the technology, and the people to make a real difference. This campaign is just the beginning. See our first commercial below: [i] Results will vary and some may not see savings. Average savings of $1,137 per year for customers who switched multiple policies and saved with Experian from Jan. 1, 2022 to Mar. 31, 2024. Savings based on customers’ self-reported prior premium. [ii] Results will vary. Not all subscriptions are eligible, savings are not guaranteed, and some may not see savings. Experian members for whom Experian canceled at least one subscription averaged $270/year of anticipated savings. Available with eligible paid memberships and requires connecting payment account(s) to Experian account.

In some instances, the ways in which lenders make decisions is not unlike looking through a keyhole. From this vantage point, there is some information, but it isn’t the whole picture. Lenders are often making decisions on a subset of information about a consumer. And for millions of people in America, including those who are thin-file or credit-invisible, the amount of information available is limited.   Our goal is to help our clients gain a more representative understanding of consumers to better inform their decisions and ultimately better serve consumers.   Credit reports and traditional credit scores will continue to be an extraordinarily important part of the process, but we’re continually asking ourselves: how we can leverage our unique vantage point to help our clients obtain a more complete picture to create new opportunities for consumers?   One proven way we can achieve this is by helping financial services companies more easily leverage consumers’ banking and transaction information through open banking. This information can advance financial inclusion by providing a more comprehensive and accurate view of a consumer while giving consumers greater control of their data. And our research shows most consumers are onboard, with 71% stating they’re willing to provide this information if it increases their likelihood of qualifying for credit.1 Introducing Cashflow Score  Today, we’ve unlocked an exciting milestone in making the use of this information more accessible with the launch of Cashflow Score. This is the latest in a short list of products that can be used to make lending decisions, leveraging consumer-permissioned transaction information to more accurately assess risk, particularly for credit invisible or un-scorable consumers who have a bank account.  The score provides lenders with a clearer view of an applicant’s financial behavior, including income, expenses, cash reserves, and more, to enhance risk assessments with up to 25% lift in predictive performance.2 Our solution can easily integrate into lenders’ existing workflows in conjunction with traditional credit scores for credit decisions.   This means lenders can now leverage Cashflow Score in first and second chance credit decisions to assess applicants with limited or nonexistent credit histories, using only bank account data.    The future of financial inclusion  Open banking and transaction data can help create a future where we can help bring financial power to all.    As the only financial services company offering both traditional scores and cashflow-based scoring solutions developed in-house, we are uniquely positioned to connect credit outcomes with transaction data. And we’re just scratching the surface with solutions like Cashflow Score.   As we continue to innovate and embrace the possibilities of open banking, I am optimistic about what lies ahead and how we can expand the keyhole even further.   Together, we can create a more inclusive financial system where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.  [1]  Experian commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,005 adults throughout the United States. The makeup of the sample is representative of the U.S. population based on national census data regarding demographic variables such as gender, age and geographical regions. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between March 17 and March 21, 2024. [2]  Based on Experian analysis when Cashflow Score is compared to conventional credit scores, tailored to targeted risk tiers. Predictability based on KS. Related Posts

I still remember the first apartment my husband and I rented. It was a modest one-bedroom in a less-than-ideal neighborhood, but affordable nonetheless. We cherished the independence it gave us, though I couldn’t help but dream of the day we’d own a home of our own. Like many renters, I worried about whether we would ever be “ready.” Was my credit strong enough? Would we be able to save for a down payment? Did we even understand the mortgage process? Those questions stayed with me for years until we finally purchased our first home. Looking back, I realize I could have saved myself a lot of stress if I had better understood the steps to prepare for homeownership. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping today’s renters feel more confident as they plan their journeys. Renters are more optimistic than ever Experian recently surveyed U.S. renters and found nearly half (47%) believe they’ll be ready to buy a home in the next four years. And when looking out over the next eight years, that jumps to 67%. This optimism is encouraging, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, who represent the next wave of homeowners. But optimism alone isn’t enough. Renters told us their biggest barriers include saving for a down payment, keeping up with rising home prices, and managing their credit scores. Nearly 40% also admitted they don’t feel fully confident in their financial knowledge around homeownership. The good news? There are concrete steps you can start taking today to put yourself in the best position possible when you’re ready to buy. Four tips to help you prepare for homeownership Understand your credit profile Your credit history plays a big role in qualifying for a mortgage. Sign up for a free Experian membership to check your credit report, get alerts about changes, and see where you stand. Knowledge is power and checking your credit report regularly can help you understand ways to improve your credit score to better prepare for homeownership. Get credit for paying rent As a renter, one of your biggest monthly expenses may not even be reflected on your credit report. By using Experian Boost®[1], you can add eligible rent, utility, and even streaming service payments to your credit file. This can instantly help strengthen your credit history and show lenders you consistently pay on time. Your landlord or property management may also report your positive rent payments to Experian RentBureau – the industry’s largest rental data base. With the introduction and increased adoption of modern scores in mortgage decisions, payments like this may help improve your ability to qualify for a mortgage. Build your financial knowledge Your path to homeownership will undoubtedly come with questions and we want to be a trusted resource to help consumers build their financial knowledge. Start building your knowledge now by joining Experian’s free #CreditChat every Wednesday or exploring our Ask Experian blog. Small, consistent learning adds up. Seek trusted guidance You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Nonprofit organizations like HomeFree-USA offer education and personalized support for renters pursuing homeownership. Through the Experian CreditCenter, we’ve partnered with HomeFree-USA to provide free tools tailored to your financial journey. Your bank or credit union likely also has a dedicated resource to help you better understand your homebuyer readiness. Utilize that resource! You can take steps today If I could go back and give my younger, renter-self advice, I’d tell her this: don’t wait to start preparing. Even small actions like checking your credit report, learning about the mortgage process, or making sure your rent payments count, can bring you closer to homeownership. The journey might feel overwhelming at times, but remember, you’re not alone. At Experian, we’re here to provide the resources and support you need to help turn the dream of owning a home into reality. [1] Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive an improved score or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost®.

Experian is evolving — and it’s not just a shift in how we show up to consumers, it’s a transformation in how we think about our role in people’s lives. We’re entering a new era, and I want to share what that means for us and the millions of consumers we serve. For years, we’ve been known as a credit bureau. And while that legacy is something to be proud of, it’s only part of our story. Today, we are so much more. Experian delivers a robust consumer financial platform that empowers people to take control of their financial lives and realize their financial dreams. Meet Experian, your BFF We’ve built tools that help people compare auto insurance[i], potentially lower their bills[ii], find the right credit cards, and make smarter financial decisions. But here’s the challenge: many consumers might not know the full extent of what we offer and how we can help them. That’s why we’re launching a bold new brand campaign that brings our mission of Financial Power to All to life in a different way. In a multi-dimensional campaign, actor Sam Richardson steps into the role of a consumer’s Big Financial Friend or “BFF,” a larger-than-life character who helps people navigate their financial journeys. With this new campaign – Experian’s first brand re-do since 2016 – we are bringing fresh creative and messaging to consumers to create more awareness about how Experian has their back and can help them throughout their financial lives. It’s important for consumers to have a knowledgeable financial partner they can rely on as they navigate their financial journeys, and we want to be their “BFF” no matter where they are on that journey. We know that many people are facing financial uncertainty right now, like rising costs, economic volatility, and growing anxiety about the future. That’s why our mission matters more than ever. Financial Power to All isn’t a tagline. It’s a commitment  that we will continue to build tools, share knowledge, and create access for everyone, no matter where they are in their financial journey. We have the data, the technology, and the people to make a real difference. This campaign is just the beginning. See our first commercial below: [i] Results will vary and some may not see savings. Average savings of $1,137 per year for customers who switched multiple policies and saved with Experian from Jan. 1, 2022 to Mar. 31, 2024. Savings based on customers’ self-reported prior premium. [ii] Results will vary. Not all subscriptions are eligible, savings are not guaranteed, and some may not see savings. Experian members for whom Experian canceled at least one subscription averaged $270/year of anticipated savings. Available with eligible paid memberships and requires connecting payment account(s) to Experian account.

April is Financial Literacy Month, but for college students, money is top of mind all year round. A national survey shows that almost 80% of students are experiencing a negative impact on their mental health because of financial stress. Those concerns lead 59% of them to consider dropping out of school. This underscores the importance of normalizing and modernizing conversations around money and credit. Experian is proud to lead the way through partnerships with HomeFree-USA’s Center for Financial Advancement®. In addition to creating the Credit Academy for college students, we hold the #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know You Know), which gives students the opportunity to earn scholarships and address how to share their knowledge with their peers and communities. We asked some recent #IYKYK Pitch Competition scholars what they found to be the most surprising as they’re learning about credit and finances: Remi Ore, Fisk University Forty-two percent of people are credit invisible in the U.S. and that’s interesting. Credit actually shapes their life and their future. They’re expected to build a future on top of a system like this, and yet they’re invisible to that system. How are they supposed to move forward from there? How are they supposed to get mortgages, own homes, get good jobs, and impact the community as well? That is one thing that was very surprising to me going through this journey. Sovit Lekhak, Fisk University Growing up I had a rough patch in my childhood where my family struggled with gambling addiction and financial problems. So, I was always scared of getting credit. I was scared of loans, and I was scared of paying them back. When I took Experian’s Credit Academy, I realized that getting credit is not always bad and it’s actually even necessary just to build up that profile, and that reference for the future. I think that mindset switch has opened a whole new world to me. Ayo Oyeniyi, Talladega College It was surprising to hear that when you’re done with a credit card, you don’t have to destroy it. You shouldn’t do that. That was shocking because typically when you’re done with stuff, you throw it away. But that was surprising that you have to keep it, because destroying it would affect your credit mix. That would affect your credit score. Izu Mba, Talladega College The fact that essentially credit is good. Growing up, owing money was not good in any form. So that whole idea of being able to owe to own is such a beautiful concept for me that I learned. Lakayla Chapman, Bowie State University One thing that learned and found surprising was that credit is not always a bad thing. Growing up, my mom has been really in my ear about credit. The way she came at it was that credit is a bad thing, ‘Don’t get loans, don’t do this, don’t do that.’ But I’m taking in the information that credit is not always bad. Credit can make you who you can be in the future. Aissata Sy, Bowie State University One of the shockers for me is when I learned that people our age, young adults, 18 to 24, a lot of them don’t know how to check their credit score or know where to go (to find out). Having that tool is very important. You could just be freewheeling down here and not know what your score is, and then you go to buy your car, they check your score and it’s like, ‘Oh.’ And you didn’t know. So, checking that and keeping up with that is very, very important to know where you stand.