In today's financial landscape, few numbers hold as much power over our lives as the credit score. This three-digit figure has become a source of both anxiety and obsession for many Americans, influencing everything from loan approvals to job prospects. But is all this focus on credit scores truly warranted? And are the services promising to boost and protect your score really worth the cost?
Credit scores have become deeply ingrained in the American financial psyche. As Aaron Klein, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, notes: "The credit-scoring companies have figured out how to profit on the anxiety of consumers with credit watch and credit monitoring services. When companies find a way to profit off of anxiety, they have an incentive to create anxiety."
This anxiety is not unfounded. A good credit score can open doors to better interest rates, apartment approvals, and even job opportunities. Conversely, a poor score can lead to loan denials, higher insurance premiums, and other financial hurdles.
The Lucrative Credit Monitoring Industry
Capitalizing on this widespread concern, a whole industry has sprung up around credit monitoring and protection services. According to IBISWorld, the credit monitoring and identity theft protection industry is worth about $5.4 billion in annual revenue.
Companies like Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, offer premium services that promise to keep a watchful eye on your credit. For instance, Experian's "CreditWorks Premium" service, priced at $25 a month, offers quarterly credit reports, credit monitoring, and identity protection.
Are These Services Worth It?
While the peace of mind these services offer may seem tempting, experts argue that many of these paid offerings provide little value beyond what consumers can access for free.
Chi Chi Wu, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, is unequivocal in her assessment: "There's no reason ever to pay for credit monitoring. There's no reason to pay for a credit score or pay for service for the credit score."
Indeed, many of the services offered by credit monitoring companies are available at no cost:
Free credit reports: Under federal law, consumers are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major bureaus.
Free credit scores: Many credit card companies now provide free credit scores to their customers.
Credit freezes: Consumers can freeze their credit for free, preventing fraudsters from opening new accounts in their name.
The Effectiveness of Credit Monitoring Services
Even for those willing to pay, the effectiveness of these services is questionable. A 2022 brief from the National Consumer Law Center described credit monitoring bundles as often "expensive and ineffective".
The brief pointed out several limitations:
- Most identity theft occurs in existing accounts, which these services often miss.
- They frequently fail to catch fraud related to medical services or tax refunds.
- When they do detect identity theft, it's usually after the fact.
A 2017 report from the Government Accountability Office echoed these concerns, stating that it's unclear how helpful many of these services really are.
The Darker Side: Credit Repair Services
While credit monitoring services may be ineffective, credit repair operations can be downright predatory. These companies promise to boost credit scores by disputing negative items on credit reports. However, their methods are often questionable and temporary at best.
Amanda Carney, CEO of Working Credit, a nonprofit that helps people build credit, explains: "They're basically charging people with the false promise that they're going to be able to fix their credit reports and credit scores."
In reality, these companies often dispute everything negative on a credit report, regardless of its accuracy. While this may temporarily improve a credit score while the disputes are being investigated, once resolved, the score typically reverts to its previous state - leaving the consumer out of pocket with no lasting benefit.
The Regulatory Response
Recognizing the potential for consumer harm, federal regulators have taken action against several companies in the credit services industry:
In 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) settled with TransUnion over deceptive marketing practices related to credit monitoring products.
In 2022, the CFPB sued TransUnion again for violating the previous order.
In 2005, Experian was penalized for marketing "free" credit reports that weren't actually free.
In 2023, the CFPB reached a $2.7 billion settlement with a group of credit repair brands accused of illegally collecting fees.
The Root of the Problem
While these regulatory actions are important, they don't address the fundamental issues with the credit reporting and scoring system. As Ryan Steckler, a vice president at Credit Karma, puts it: "The credit system and the financial system, and I hate to sound a little preachy, but it's a black box."
This opacity creates confusion and anxiety among consumers, making them vulnerable to services that promise clarity and improvement - often at a steep price.
The Real Impact of Credit Scores
The fixation on credit scores isn't just about financial anxiety - for many Americans, it's rooted in real experiences of hardship. Aaron Klein of the Brookings Institution shares an insight from his focus groups with low-income consumers: "The more I thought about it, the more I realized this focus is based on experience. At some point, their low credit score has negatively impacted their lives."
Frederick Wherry, a Princeton sociologist leading the Debt Collection Lab, adds: "As soon as we are asked about our credit scores, or in a moment when we can't get something we need or we get it at too high a price, that's when we realize that this thing has been hanging over our heads."
A Balanced Approach to Credit Scores
While it's important to be aware of your credit score, obsessing over it - or spending money on unnecessary services - is counterproductive. Here's a more balanced approach:
Check your credit report regularly: You can do this for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Dispute errors yourself: If you spot inaccuracies on your report, you can and should dispute them directly with the credit bureaus.
Practice good credit habits: Pay bills on time, keep credit utilization low, and avoid applying for too much new credit at once.
Freeze your credit: This free service can prevent fraudsters from opening new accounts in your name.
Seek help if needed: If you're struggling with your credit, consider working with a nonprofit credit counselor rather than a for-profit credit repair service.
As Chi Chi Wu advises: "If you have a credit score over 720 or 780, stop worrying. Don't be obsessed with getting an 800 or 820. This is not your SAT score."
While credit scores remain an important part of the financial landscape, it's crucial to maintain perspective. Your credit score is just one aspect of your financial health, and it doesn't define your worth as a person or even your overall financial wellbeing.
Instead of obsessing over your score or paying for expensive monitoring services, focus on building solid financial habits and educating yourself about how credit works. Remember, as Wu points out, "the magic bullet is building a better system."
Until that better system arrives, approach your credit score with informed caution rather than anxiety-driven obsession. By understanding how credit scores work and taking proactive steps to manage your credit, you can navigate the current system without falling prey to unnecessary services or letting your score dominate your financial life.
