Experian: Does Experian Boost Work? Everything You Need to Know

shapecharge / Getty Images Trying to raise your credit score without taking on new debt or applying for another credit card? You're not alone - and chances are, you've heard of Experian Boost. But does Experian Boost work, really? Is it worth linking your bank account for a few extra points? Credit scores play a big role in your financial life. They can affect whether you get approved for a car loan, a mortgage, or even your next credit card. That's why more and more people are turning to Experian Boost as a quick, free way to give their score a little help. In this article, we'll break down how it works, what you can expect, and whether it's a smart move for your credit strategy. What Is Experian Boost? Experian Boost is a free feature from the credit bureau Experian that lets you add positive payment history from everyday bills to your credit report. That includes things like : Utility bills (electric, gas, water) Phone bills (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max) Normally, these payments don't impact your credit score because they aren't reported to the credit bureaus. But with Experian Boost, they can be. Here's how it works: Once you connect your bank account, Experian scans your transaction history to find recurring payments. If they qualify, Boost adds them to your Experian credit file - potentially raising your FICO 8 score . Boost only affects your Experian credit report. It won't change your TransUnion or Equifax scores. Does Experian Boost Actually Raise Your Credit Score? The big question: does Experian Boost really work? According to Experian, most users see a credit score bump - on average, around 13 points. Some see more, some less. A few don't see a change at all. Who Gets the Best Results: People with thin credit files (little or no credit history) Anyone with a score under 680 Users with a solid record of paying bills on time Who Might Not See Much Improvement: Folks with already strong credit (Boost has less impact over 700) People with late payments or collections dragging their score down Users whose bank data doesn't show enough eligible bills If you're just getting started with credit or trying to rebuild, Boost might be a solid step in the right direction. But if your score is already in the "good" or "excellent" range , you may not notice much movement. What Bills Count Toward Experian Boost? Experian Boost works by pulling in on-time payments from recurring monthly services. Here are some examples of what might qualify: Utilities : Electric, water, gas Telecom services : Cell phones, internet, cable Streaming services : Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Spotify To be counted, the bill must: Be in your name Show at least three on-time payments over the last six months Be paid from a bank account that you connect to Experian Experian may also count rent payments if you use a supported rental payment platform. But if your landlord or a third party already reports your rent, it might not qualify for Boost. Step-by-Step: How to Use Experian Boost Getting started with Boost is pretty simple. Here's how it works: Changes show up in real time, so you can see your updated Experian FICO 8 score almost instantly. Concerned about privacy? Experian says they use secure encryption and won't store your bank login credentials. Pros and Cons of Experian Boost Like any financial tool, Boost has its upsides - and a few trade-offs. Pros Free to use (no subscription or fees) Instant score increases for many users Helps people build or rebuild credit without borrowing Works well for those with little or no credit history Cons Only applies to Experian scores (not TransUnion or Equifax) Doesn't impact mortgage credit scores (lenders usually use older FICO models) Requires access to your bank account Not all bills will qualify Boost works best as part of a bigger credit-building strategy - not as your only move. Can Experian Boost Raise My Score by 100 Points? It's possible - but not likely in most cases. Boost alone won't typically add 100+ points to your score. However, if you pair it with other smart steps, like: Paying down credit card balances Disputing credit report errors Avoiding new hard inquiries You might see your score climb significantly over a few months. Remember: improving your credit is a marathon, not a sprint . Boost can help you get started - but consistency is what moves the needle long-term. Is Experian Boost Safe to Use? Yes, it's considered safe by industry standards. Experian uses bank-level encryption and doesn't store your bank login info. Still, you'll need to be comfortable sharing access to your transaction history. Also worth noting: You can disconnect your account or opt out of Boost at any time. If you do, the payments you added through Boost will be removed from your credit file - but there's no penalty or lasting impact. Want extra peace of mind? Check that your bank supports Experian Boost and verify that your data is being read accurately. When Is Experian Boost Worth Using? Boost is most helpful if: You're new to credit and want to build a positive history You need a quick bump to get approved for a card or loan You want to leverage the bills you already pay to improve your score It's not ideal if: You're trying to qualify for a mortgage (Boost doesn't influence FICO 2 or 5) You're already at a high credit score You're uncomfortable linking your bank info If you fall into the "Boost sweet spot" - low-to-mid score, pays bills on time - it can be a fast win. Alternatives to Experian Boost If Boost isn't the right fit, here are other ways to strengthen your credit: Self or CreditStrong : Credit-builder loans that help you build history while saving money Secured credit cards : A popular option for building or rebuilding credit Authorized user status : Get added to a trusted person's card account Report rent payments through third-party services like RentTrack or LevelCredit No matter which method you choose, the key is consistency - on-time payments, low credit use and patience. Final Take to GO: Is Experian Boost Right for You? So, does Experian Boost work? For a lot of people, yes. It's a free, fast, and easy way to give your credit score a little lift - especially if you're starting from a lower score or working with limited credit history. While it's not a silver bullet (and won't affect all lenders), it's a smart tool to try if you want to build better credit using bills you're already paying. Next step: Try Experian Boost yourself - or explore more ways to improve your credit score fast . You've got nothing to lose - and possibly a few points to gain. Your future self (and your credit report) will thank you. The information is accurate as of March 25, 2025. Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Does Experian Boost Work? Everything You Need to Know