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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Credit Education

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At Experian we have an unwavering commitment to help consumers and clients manage through this unprecedented period. We are actively working with consumers, lenders, lawmakers, and regulators to help mitigate the potential impact on credit scores during times of financial hardship.

In response to the urgent and rapid changes associated with COVID-19, we are accelerating and enhancing our financial education programming with the goal of helping consumers maintain good credit and gain access to the financial services they need.

As the Consumer's Credit Bureau, our commitment at Experian is to inform, guide and protect our consumers and customers during uncertain times. One way we're doing this is through this dedicated website, with links to multiple resources and materials to help our community learn about credit and important personal finance topics.

-Craig Boundy, Chief Executive Officer, North America

At Experian, our top priorities are the health and safety of our employees, customers and their families. As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation continues to evolve, we are doing all we can to help you protect your credit during this unprecedented time.

Through December 31, 2022, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax will offer all U.S. consumers free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com to help you protect your financial health during the sudden and unprecedented hardship caused by COVID-19.

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Educational Articles

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Credit Card and Debt Relief
To help you navigate the relief options available during the COVID-19 crisis, we've compiled a list of resources for you.

March 16, 2021  •  4 min read

Emergency Loans: Where to Get the Best Ones
If you're worried about making upcoming payments, there are several options that can help. Here are some solutions to consider.

March 16, 2021  •  5 min read

Protecting Your Credit During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Crisis
We understand you may have concerns about how the coronavirus outbreak might impact your credit standing. Read more for actions you can take.

March 24, 2020  •  4 min read

Do You Need Auto Insurance if You’re Not Driving?
Even if you’re not driving your car, going without auto insurance generally isn’t an option. There are, however, ways to reduce your premiums.

May 3, 2023  •  4 min read

¿Cuánto debería ahorrar?
Es probable que ya no conserve la alcancía que tanto apreciaba cuando era niño. Sin embargo, el hecho de ser adulto no elimina la necesidad de ahorrar sus monedas de cinco y diez centavos y sus dólares. Independientemente de dónde lo guarde, el dinero reservado puede ayudarle a prepararse para la jubilación, a tomarse unas […]

October 19, 2022  •  6 min read

Consumers Feeling Better About the Pandemic, Economy
Since the onset of pandemic, much has changed—including consumers’ concern over how COVID-19 might impact their lives.

April 4, 2021  •  3 min read

Stimulus Check Delayed? Here’s How to Cover Your Costs
Even if it arrives on time, the stimulus check isn’t enough to cover long-term bills. Here’s where you can turn next.

March 19, 2021  •  4 min read

What to Do When Unemployment Benefits End
The CARES Act expanded unemployment benefits, but now some of these new programs are coming to an end.

March 19, 2021  •  4 min read

How Unemployment Benefits Are Changing in 2021
Pandemic responses continue to impact unemployment benefits in 2021. Here’s what you need to know.

March 17, 2021  •  4 min read

5 Tips for Saving on Post-COVID Travel Plans
If you hope to make a trip this summer, in late 2021 or even 2022, these tips can help you save money when booking a much-needed adventure away from home.

March 17, 2021  •  5 min read

How to Manage Payments if You’re Unemployed
Losing your job is incredibly stressful, but there are numerous ways to effectively manage your payments and finances during unemployment.

March 16, 2021  •  6 min read

How to Change Your Budget in a Financial Emergency
A financial emergency can shake up your budget. But there are a number of steps you can take to get through the situation as smoothly as possible.

March 16, 2021  •  7 min read

How to Pay Your Credit Card Bills in a Financial Emergency
If there isn’t enough money coming in to cover your credit card bills and expenses, take these steps to keep your finances and credit in good standing.

March 16, 2021  •  5 min read

Does Forbearance Affect Credit?
Loan-payment forbearance can help protect your credit if keeping up with monthly payments becomes impossible.

March 16, 2021  •  6 min read

Need Help Paying Rent? Here’s What to Do
You’re not alone if you’re worried about paying rent, and there are many protections in programs in place that may help you stay in your home.

March 16, 2021  •  4 min read

How to Get Student Loan Relief During the COVID-19 Crisis
The COVID-19 crisis has caused many to lose income, making it challenging to stay on top of student loan payments. Here’s how to get help.

March 15, 2021  •  5 min read

How Will the New COVID-19 Relief Law Help You?
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 offers billions of dollars in direct aid. Learn how it could impact your personal finances.

March 12, 2021  •  7 min read

Women and Credit 2021: How the Pandemic Affected Women’s Lives—and Finances
Women faced many financial challenges in 2020, but changes brought on by the pandemic also gave some the chance to reduce expenses and pay down debt.

March 12, 2021  •  5 min read

How to Save for Your Post-COVID Dream Vacation
Minimally restricted travel won’t be a reality for some time, which gives you plenty of opportunities to save up for the vacation you’ve been yearning for.

February 14, 2021  •  6 min read

What COVID-19 Taught Us About Money
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us to prioritize savings and reduce our debts, while making ourselves more resilient in the face of a crisis.

February 14, 2021  •  6 min read

Student Loan Borrowers Get Extended Relief Under New Provisions
One of President Biden’s first actions was to extend federal student loan protections. Here’s what you need to know.

January 22, 2021  •  4 min read

Is Now a Good Time to Move?
The pandemic spurred an increase in temporary moves, and some people decided to permanently relocate. Here’s what you’ll want to consider before moving.

January 7, 2021  •  4 min read

Survey: How Consumers Feel About Holiday Shopping in 2024
Amid the toll the pandemic has taken on this year’s festivities, consumers say they plan to rely more on credit cards and less on savings to cover holiday spending.

December 11, 2020  •  3 min read

How to Get Credit Counseling or Financial Assistance
If you’re looking for help with your budget, credit and finances, a credit counselor or one of these many financial assistance programs could help.

December 5, 2020  •  5 min read

What You Need to Know About Filing Taxes for 2020
Taxes are eternal, but advice about taxable employment benefits, stimulus checks, deductions, contributions, planning and more are new for 2020.

December 4, 2020  •  5 min read

Experian Survey: How Is the Pandemic Affecting Personal Finances?
If you’ve seen your spending and saving habits change during the pandemic, you’re not alone.

November 21, 2020  •  3 min read

Assistance Programs for Underserved Communities
We’ve put together a list of assistance programs that focus on helping underserved communities with their finances, housing, small business and educational expenses.

November 19, 2020  •  6 min read

Will Having My Student Loans in Forbearance Affect Getting a Mortgage?
Having your student loans in forbearance is not considered negative, but your mortgage lender may still take them into account.

November 14, 2020  •  2 min read

How to Adjust to Becoming a One-Income Household
If you lost income due to Covid-19 or otherwise, take these steps to create a new financial strategy, adjust your family's budget and get help with debt.

November 9, 2020  •  5 min read

Payroll Tax Deferral: How Will It Affect You?
If your employer has enacted President Trump’s payroll tax deferral, the temporary “raise” you’re enjoying now will mean a temporary “pay cut” in 2021.

October 12, 2020  •  3 min read

Consumer Finances Then and Now: The Great Recession vs. 2020
Here’s a look at consumer finances at the beginning of the Great Recession and the current pandemic-induced recession.

September 23, 2020  •  4 min read

Derogatory Marks in Credit Reports Slow Amid Pandemic
Along with a decline in shorter-term delinquencies, consumers are also showing a reduction in derogatory marks like collections accounts and bankruptcies.

September 21, 2020  •  5 min read

What Are Unemployment Scams?
Here’s how to address bogus unemployment claims, a form of identity theft that’s on the rise amid COVID-19-related job losses.

September 15, 2020  •  4 min read

Consumer Delinquencies Slow During Pandemic
Despite record unemployment during COVID-19, a review of early credit report data shows consumer delinquency is down across most credit products.

August 25, 2020  •  5 min read

How Much Money Should I Be Saving?
Learn about how much money you should be saving for emergency expenses, retirement, homeownership and more.

August 24, 2020  •  5 min read

Should You Delay Your Retirement Due to COVID-19?
When deciding whether to delay retirement in a chaotic financial environment, it’s important to think calmly and to focus on more than just money.

August 22, 2020  •  7 min read

Your Credit Card Could Save You Money on Streaming Subscriptions
Some credit cards will reimburse you for all or part of the cost of a subscription service, including streaming and food delivery, when you use them to pay.

July 30, 2020  •  5 min read

COVID-19 Grads: How to Manage Student Loan Payments
Students graduating during COVID-19 may feel anxiety about finding a job and paying student loans. We offer tips to help you through it.

July 29, 2020  •  6 min read

How to Make Extra Money From Home
If you have the time, finding a way to make money at home could help diversify your income, boost your spending ability and help you save for something in the future.

July 24, 2020  •  5 min read

COVID-19: Consumers Reduce Overall Debt During Pandemic
Despite widespread unemployment and loss of income during COVID-19, consumer debt balances decreased since the beginning of the pandemic.

July 14, 2020  •  4 min read

COVID-19: Credit Utilization Drops as Consumers Cut Spending
As Americans spend less due to COVID-19, their use of revolving credit is on the decline.

July 13, 2020  •  4 min read

Didn’t Get CARES Act Relief on Your Student Loans? Consider Refinancing
Refinancing your student loans may provide some relief with your payments, but there are some potential drawbacks that could cause more harm than good.

July 11, 2020  •  4 min read

What Is the Difference Between a Recession and a Depression?
Financial recessions and depressions are both economic downturns with negative consequences, but they differ in severity and length.

July 9, 2020  •  5 min read

Can You Refinance a Mortgage in Forbearance?
If your mortgage loan is in forbearance, you most likely can’t refinance it. However, there may be some options once you start making payments again.

June 30, 2020  •  4 min read

How to Save Money if You’re Still Employed During COVID-19
As long as the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t hammered your finances, consider taking steps now to save money ahead of the next crisis.

June 26, 2020  •  7 min read

Is Now the Time to Start Investing?
You should base your decision on when to start investing on your financial situation and tolerance for risk.

June 14, 2020  •  6 min read

Are Foreclosures Still Happening During COVID-19?
A federal ban on home foreclosures, enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to expire, but other measures may help prevent the loss of your home.

May 26, 2020  •  8 min read

Are Personal Loan Lenders Offering COVID-19 Debt Relief?
Many personal loan lenders are offering hardship options to customers who are impacted by COVID-19. Learn how you might benefit.

May 25, 2020  •  3 min read

How a Rewards Card Can Help Your Small Business Through Hard Times
Many small business rewards credit cards are offering limited-time relief measures and perks to help business owners during these uncertain times.

May 25, 2020  •  5 min read

What Happens to Your Airline Credit Card If the Airline Goes Bankrupt?
Here’s how to keep your miles safe if an airline declares bankruptcy.

May 22, 2020  •  6 min read

How to Find a Job During the COVID-19 Crisis
While tens of millions of people are out of a job because of the pandemic, some employers are still hiring. Here’s how to find work now.

May 19, 2020  •  5 min read

10 Ways to Reduce Your Car Expenses Now
If you're looking for ways to trim your spending now, you may be able to reduce your car expenses with a few easy tricks.

May 18, 2020  •  6 min read

How to Buy a Car During the COVID-19 Pandemic
You can still buy a car during the COVID-19 crisis, but the process can be more challenging than you think. Here’s what you need to know.

May 14, 2020  •  5 min read

Should You Continue to Make Student Loan Payments During COVID-19?
Deciding whether to stop paying your student loans will ultimately depend on your financial situation.

May 13, 2020  •  5 min read

Where to Find a Job During the Pandemic
You may have lost your job because of the coronavirus, but there are several companies looking to bolster their teams. Here are some to consider.

May 13, 2020  •  5 min read

How to Get Help With Your Auto Loan During COVID-19
If you’re struggling to keep up with your monthly car payments, here are a few ways to reduce your monthly payment or get a break for a while.

May 11, 2020  •  4 min read

Will 2020 Stimulus Payments Affect Your Taxes?
Despite what you might have heard, your federal stimulus check is not an advance tax refund and is not taxed.

May 7, 2020  •  4 min read

Will Your Credit Card Cover Trip Cancellations Due to COVID-19?
Your credit card insurance might cover you if you had to cancel a trip due to COVID-19, but only under certain circumstances.

May 7, 2020  •  6 min read

How Does a Natural or Declared Disaster Impact My Credit?
A natural or declared disaster can affect your credit by making it harder for you to pay your bills. Here’s how to keep disasters from hurting your credit.

May 2, 2020  •  4 min read

8 Ways to Get Emergency Financing for Your Small Business
What can you do when your small business needs money in a hurry? Here are 8 places to get emergency financing for a small business.

April 28, 2020  •  7 min read

Will Late Payments Affect My Credit During the COVID-19 Crisis?
You can work with your lenders to prevent late payments related to the COVID-19 pandemic from hurting your credit score.

April 28, 2020  •  5 min read

How to Negotiate With Your Bank When Your Company’s Cash Is Tight
Having a cash crisis at your company? Here’s what to know before you call your banker about your small business.

April 27, 2020  •  4 min read

How to Get More Financial Aid After COVID-19
If the COVID-19 crisis has altered your family’s financial situation, here’s what you can do to get more financial aid for college.

April 26, 2020  •  5 min read

How to Protect Your Business From Coronavirus Scams
Scammers are taking advantage of vulnerable consumers and business owners struggling during the coronavirus crisis. Here’s how to protect your company.

April 25, 2020  •  4 min read

How the CARES Act Affects Credit Reports and Scores
These changes will protect consumers who have been impacted by COVID-19 and have made agreements with their creditors to modify their normal payment in some way.

April 24, 2020  •  4 min read

Should I Withdraw Money from My 401(k) or IRA?
Learn the pros and cons of taking money out of your 401(k) or IRA when you’re facing a financial emergency.

April 24, 2020  •  7 min read

Can Someone Find Out If You’re Unemployed From a Credit Report?
Though being unemployed won’t show in your credit history and doesn’t impact your scores, not having a job could indirectly impact your credit.

April 24, 2020  •  4 min read

How to File for Unemployment
The process for filing for benefits will vary by state, and depending on where you live the requirements could be slightly different.

April 19, 2020  •  4 min read

How to Maintain Your Credit During a Crisis
Your credit may be the last thing on your mind during a crisis, but continuing to maintain it and your finances makes a huge difference in the long term.

April 19, 2020  •  5 min read

How Can I Get a Mortgage Modification?
If you’re a homeowner facing long-term financial hardship, learn how mortgage modification can help prevent foreclosure.

April 18, 2020  •  7 min read

Which Loans Should I Refinance Right Now?
When is it smart to refinance your loans? There’s no easy answer. Even when interest rates are low, your personal circumstances make a difference.

April 17, 2020  •  4 min read

Should I Add a Consumer Statement to My Credit Report Due to COVID-19?
The credit bureaus can help you explain late or missed payments to potential lenders if you’ve been affected by a disaster.

April 17, 2020  •  5 min read

Survey: The Impact of COVID-19 on Fraud and Identity Theft
As COVID-19 continues to impact the world, Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the risk of scams, fraud and identity theft that could happen during this time.

April 16, 2020  •  4 min read

Survey: How Consumers Are Reacting to COVID-19
We found that consumers are most worried about their family and individual health, but are also concerned about the economy and the impact COVID-19 will have on their personal finances.

April 16, 2020  •  4 min read

How to Maintain Your Business Credit Score During the COVID-19 Crisis
A good business credit score can make it easier to get a loan or trade credit. Here’s how to keep the COVID-19 crisis from hurting your business credit score.

April 15, 2020  •  4 min read

How to Get a Loan if You Don’t Have a Job
Unemployment may complicate your eligibility for a loan, but you can get one as long as you convince a lender you can repay it.

April 14, 2020  •  5 min read

How to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs
Are you looking for ways to save money? Paying less for your auto insurance can help. Try these tips to reduce your car insurance costs right away.

April 12, 2020  •  4 min read

What Is Contactless Pay?
Contactless pay technology has been slow to roll out in the United States, but it offers a convenient and safe way to pay with a card.

April 12, 2020  •  4 min read

How to Use Your Tax Refund During a Financial Crisis
Those facing financial challenges may wonder how to use their tax refund to help them stay financially sound. Here are some ways your tax refund can help.

April 11, 2020  •  4 min read

How Do I Get a Mortgage Forbearance?
Mortgage forbearance may be a good option for relief from monthly payments in the face of temporary financial hardship. Find out what’s involved.

April 10, 2020  •  5 min read

How COVID-19 Scams Can Affect You
Fraudsters are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to scam the public. Here’s what to know and how to avoid falling victim.

April 9, 2020  •  8 min read

The Fed Cut Rates—Here’s Why That’s Important
The fed rate cut can impact consumers’ rates on savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages and other loans. Here’s what you need to know.

April 6, 2020  •  4 min read

New Unemployment Benefits Under the CARES Act Stimulus
The new law gives Americans on unemployment an extra $600 per week and extends the benefits to different types of workers. Here’s what you need to know.

April 3, 2020  •  4 min read

How the CARES Act Stimulus Can Help Your Small Business
For small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the CARES Act provides loans, debt relief and tax help that could be a financial lifeline.

April 2, 2020  •  7 min read

How the CARES Act Stimulus Affects Your Student Loans
The CARES Act suspends student loan payments for many borrowers, but not all loans are eligible for the benefit.

April 1, 2020  •  4 min read

Best Ways to Use Your Stimulus Payment
The payment—which for many Americans will total $1,200 or more—will be disbursed to most U.S. residents over the age of 18.

March 31, 2020  •  4 min read

5 Steps to Keep Your Finances Secure During the Coronavirus Crisis
The COVID-19 health crisis has many on edge. Here are steps you can take now to protect your finances.

March 18, 2020  •  3 min read

How to Avoid Filing for Bankruptcy During COVID-19
If your finances have been negatively affected by COVID-19, you may be considering bankruptcy, However this legal option has serious ramifications, so be sure to explore other options first.

March 16, 2020  •  8 min read

In the Community

Contribution to Local Hospital
In an effort to help provide PPE to hospital workers, Experian donated N95 face masks to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California. When we realized we had them on supply in our warehouse, North America CEO Craig Boundy took quick action and arranged to have them donated.
Experian Donates Face Masks to Support First Responders
Experian donated protective face masks to the City of Laguna Beach First Responders. "We want to continue to do all we can to support our communities here in Orange County, California and especially those on the front lines battling COVID-19," says Justin Hastings, head of Human Resources for Experian North America. "On behalf of all of us at Experian, a big thank you goes out to the police officers, fire fighters and healthcare workers who help those most in need every single day."

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