Experian is one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States, alongside Equifax and TransUnion. It collects and maintains consumer credit information, including loan accounts, credit cards, payment history, inquiries, and public records. Lenders, landlords, and insurers rely on Experian data to make decisions about extending credit, housing, or insurance coverage.

Experian also offers credit monitoring services, identity theft protection, and consumer products like Experian Boost, which allows users to add utility and telecom payments to their credit file. While Experian is central to your credit profile, it can also contain errors that negatively impact your score, making regular monitoring and correction essential.

Experian is often considered the most prominent credit reporting agency, known for its consumer-facing services, such as free access to credit reports and scores through its platform. Unlike some of its competitors, Experian has a significant international presence, providing credit information services in multiple countries around the world. This global reach allows it to offer a broader perspective on credit data. 

Dispute & Repair
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to obtain your Experian credit report for free once every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com. You may also request it directly from Experian. If inaccurate or incomplete information appears, you can dispute it with Experian by mail, phone, or online. For the strongest legal protections, disputes are best sent by certified mail.