How often does Experian update your credit score? This is one of the most common questions people ask when trying to stay on top of their financial health. As of August 2025, Experian has confirmed that credit scores are refreshed on a regular basis, usually at least once a month. The exact timing, however, can vary based on how often your lenders and creditors report updates to your accounts.
When your bank, credit card company, or loan provider sends new information—such as a payment made, a balance reduced, or a new account opened—Experian processes it and updates your credit file. Once that new data is reflected in your report, your credit score is recalculated. This means your score doesn’t change on a fixed day for everyone but rather depends on your personal credit activity and your lenders’ reporting schedules.
Typical Update Frequency
In most cases, Experian updates your credit score every 30 to 45 days. Since lenders usually report once a month, you’ll likely notice changes during that window. If you have several accounts, each lender may send updates at different times, so your score can shift multiple times within a single month.
To put it simply:
- Most credit accounts update monthly.
- Updates may take a few days to reflect.
- If you have many accounts, your score may adjust several times per month.
Why Your Score Doesn’t Update Daily
A common misconception is that your credit score updates instantly after you make a payment or reduce your balance. While payments can post to your account within hours, lenders generally report activity only once per billing cycle. This delay is why you may not see your new balance or improved utilization reflected in your score right away.
The Role of Experian Boost
Experian offers a tool called Experian Boost, which allows you to add on-time payments for utilities, rent, phone bills, and even some streaming services to your credit file. Unlike traditional reporting that depends on lenders, this feature lets you update certain aspects of your credit profile more quickly. Many people see improvements within days after linking accounts through Boost, making it a faster way to reflect positive financial behavior.
Free vs. Paid Score Updates
Experian provides free access to your credit report and score, which is typically refreshed on a monthly basis. For those who want closer tracking, Experian also offers premium credit monitoring services that can deliver more frequent updates—even daily in some cases. This is especially useful if you are actively rebuilding your credit, applying for a mortgage, or monitoring your identity for fraud.
Factors That Influence Update Timing
The timing of updates is not entirely in Experian’s control. Several factors play a role:
- Lender reporting schedules: Some report early in the month, while others report mid-cycle or at the end.
- Account type: Credit cards usually update monthly, but installment loans may update less frequently.
- Your activity: Making a large payment or opening a new account may trigger changes sooner.
- Monitoring plan: Free plans update monthly, while paid plans can show updates daily.
Key Takeaways
- Experian updates your credit score at least once per month, but timing depends on when your lenders report.
- On average, updates occur every 30–45 days, though multiple updates in one month are possible.
- Tools like Experian Boost can speed up improvements by factoring in non-traditional payment data.
- Free access gives you monthly updates, while premium services can provide daily refreshes.
Why Staying Updated Matters
Monitoring how often Experian updates your credit score is important if you’re planning a major financial step such as applying for a mortgage, refinancing, or opening a new line of credit. Even small changes—like paying down a credit card balance—can significantly impact your score. By knowing the timing of updates, you can plan payments strategically to maximize your score when lenders review your file.
Final Thoughts
Your credit score is a living number, constantly recalculated as new data arrives. While Experian typically refreshes it monthly, your personal update timeline depends on your lenders, your activity, and the tools you use. Staying informed about how often Experian updates your credit score helps you take control of your financial journey. If you’ve noticed patterns or had unique experiences with your updates, feel free to share your story and join the conversation.