Experian Services FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Experian Services.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is Experian?
Experian is a credit reporting agency that collects and analyzes consumer credit information.
What is a credit score?
A credit score is a numerical representation of a person's creditworthiness based on their credit history and financial behavior.
How can I access my credit score from Experian?
You can request a free credit report from Experian once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Why was my credit score decreased?
There are several factors that can affect your credit score, such as late payments, high credit utilization, or opening new credit accounts.
How long does negative information stay on my credit report?
Negative information, such as missed payments or collection accounts, can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
What is a credit report?
A credit report is a detailed record of a person's credit history and borrowing activities.
How often do credit reports update?
Credit reports update every 30 days, but not all lenders report to credit bureaus on the same schedule.
What is a credit freeze?
A credit freeze is a security measure that restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
How do I place a credit freeze with Experian?
You can place a credit freeze by visiting Experian's website or by calling 1-888-397-3742.
How do I lift a credit freeze?
You can lift a credit freeze temporarily or permanently by visiting Experian's website or by calling 1-888-397-3742.
What is a fraud alert?
A fraud alert is a warning on your credit report that alerts potential lenders to verify your identity before approving any new credit accounts.
How can I place a fraud alert with Experian?
You can place a fraud alert by visiting Experian's website or by calling 1-888-397-3742.
What do I do if I suspect fraud on my credit report?
If you see suspicious activity on your credit report, you should report it to Experian and the other credit bureaus, as well as the Federal Trade Commission.
How do I dispute inaccurate information on my credit report?
You can dispute inaccurate information on your credit report by filing a dispute with Experian online or by mail.
Can I add positive information to my credit report?
No, credit bureaus can only report information provided to them by lenders.
What is a credit monitoring service?
A credit monitoring service tracks changes to your credit report and alerts you to any potential fraud or errors.
Do I need to pay for a credit monitoring service?
No, you can monitor your credit report for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. However, there are also paid credit monitoring services available.
Why was I denied credit?
Lenders use various factors, such as credit score and income, to determine whether to approve or deny credit applications.
How do I improve my credit score?
You can improve your credit score by paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding opening too many new credit accounts.
What is a dispute investigation?
A dispute investigation is the process of reviewing and verifying information on your credit report that you have disputed.
How long does a dispute investigation take?
Dispute investigations typically take 30-45 days, but can take up to 90 days in some cases.
What should I do if I receive a notice that I owe a debt I don't recognize?
If you receive a notice for a debt you don't recognize, you should dispute the debt with the collection agency and check your credit report for any inaccuracies.
What is a credit repair company?
A credit repair company claims to help improve your credit score by disputing inaccurate information or guiding you through the process of rebuilding your credit.
Are credit repair companies effective?
There is no guarantee that a credit repair company can improve your credit score, and some may be scams. It's best to be cautious and do thorough research before deciding to work with one.
Can I cancel my Experian subscription?
Yes, you can cancel your Experian subscription at any time by contacting customer service or through your online account dashboard.
How can I contact Experian for further assistance?
You can contact Experian's customer service by phone at 1-888-397-3742 or through their website's contact form.