Credit Score Coding Issue Fixed

Highlights:

• Equifax found and fixed a coding issue that impacted how some credit scores were calculated.
• The majority of credit scores were not affected during the three week period of the technology coding issue.
• If you attempted to obtain credit between March 17 and April 6, 2022, (such as a credit card, mortgage or personal loan) we advise that you reach out to the lender for more information.

Equifax found and fixed a coding issue that impacted how some credit scores were calculated between March 17 and April 6, 2022. The technology issue was fixed April 6, and Equifax has put additional controls and monitoring in place that will help detect and prevent a similar issue.

We understand you may have questions about your credit score and the potential effect of the coding issue that took place. We take this issue seriously and regret that it occurred.

The coding issue was limited to a three-week period of March 17 through April 6, 2022 and is not ongoing. A fix was put in place on April 6 and Equifax has been providing lenders with updated scores.

As part of our commitment to resolving this issue, Equifax has conducted extensive analysis of credit scores used for consumers seeking credit during the time period of the issue. Our analysis indicates that for those consumers there was no shift in the majority of scores during the three-week timeframe of the issue. Our data shows that less than 300,000 consumers experienced a score shift of 25 points or more. While the score may have shifted, a score shift does not necessarily mean that a consumer’s credit decision was negatively impacted. The information in consumer credit reports that you are able to access on both www.annualcreditreport.com and www.myEquifax.com was not affected as a result of the coding issue. That said, Equifax advises all consumers to regularly check their credit reports as part of their regular personal finance routine.

What Should I Do About This?

If you attempted to obtain credit between March 17th and April 6, 2022, (such as a credit card, mortgage or personal loan) we advise that you reach out to the lender for more information. You can get a free copy of your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com.

How Does This Affect My Credit Score?

If your credit score shifted, it’s important to understand that a credit score change does not necessarily mean that a credit decision was negatively impacted.

The three nationwide credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – do not make lending decisions. Credit bureaus compile credit information and provide credit files to lenders and creditors to help them determine credit lending decisions. Your credit history, which includes factors such as your payment history and amounts owed, are used along with other factors such as the number and type of credit accounts, to calculate your credit scores. Credit scores are only one component of most lending decisions.

Equifax continues to work to meet the needs of consumers by providing credit education and a monthly credit score and Equifax credit report with a free myEquifax account.