What Is Experian IntelliScore?

IntelliScore is Experian's 300‑to‑900 risk model, and for you it serves as a snapshot of how likely lenders are to approve a credit application and what terms they may offer. Higher numbers signal lower risk, unlocking more products and better interest rates; lower numbers indicate higher risk, limiting options and increasing costs.

If your IntelliScore is around 720, you typically qualify for most major credit cards, receive competitive auto‑loan rates, and have a good chance at a conventional mortgage. An IntelliScore near 610 may still earn you a credit‑card offer but usually at a higher APR and with a smaller loan amount, while a score below 580 often leads to denial or sub‑prime terms. These examples show how the same score translates into real borrowing outcomes for you.

IntelliScore runs from 300 to 900, and lenders generally treat higher bands as low‑risk, so approval odds climb as the score rises.

• 720 + : strong‑card, auto and mortgage approvals (often 80 % + )
• 660  -  719: moderate‑card and auto approvals (roughly 50‑70 % )
• 600  -  659: limited‑card or subprime auto approvals (about 30‑50 % )
• Below 600: few approvals, usually only high‑cost or secured products

For detailed scoring info see Experian IntelliScore overview.

Experian builds your IntelliScore by extracting every tradeline on your credit report, then running those data through a proprietary scoring engine that assigns points based on how each item predicts future payment behavior.

The engine looks at payment history, outstanding balances, credit‑utilization ratios, length of credit history, mix of revolving and installment accounts, recent hard inquiries, and any public records or collection items; it may also incorporate alternative data such as rent or utility payments when available.

Each factor receives a weighted score - payment history typically carries the most weight, followed by utilization and credit age - then aggregates into a single number that falls between 300 and 900; the model updates as soon as new information is reported, usually within a few weeks of the creditor's submission. For more detail see the Experian IntelliScore overview.

IntelliScore refreshes whenever Experian's file gets a new data event - on‑time payments, balance changes, new accounts, delinquencies or public records - and the update can appear as soon as the next overnight file (often within 24‑48 hours) or, for many lenders, in the regular monthly batch (typically every 30‑45 days);

in practice you'll see your score move at least once a month, with faster changes after recent activity, a timing detail that sets up the discussion of the five key factors that move your IntelliScore.

Your IntelliScore shifts based on five core factors.

• Payment history - on‑time payments raise the score, missed or late payments lower it. (Experian IntelliScore factor breakdown)
• Credit utilization - keeping balances below roughly 30 % of each limit helps the score.
• Length of credit history - older accounts and a longer average age boost the score.
• Credit mix - a blend of revolving, installment and other credit types typically improves the score.
• New credit - recent hard inquiries and newly opened accounts can temporarily reduce the score.

Payment history, credit utilization, account age, credit mix, and recent inquiries each shift your IntelliScore by a different amount, with the first two driving the bulk of the change.

• Payment history - about 35 % of the model; a single missed payment can drop the score by 30‑50 points, while consistent on‑time payments can add a similar amount.
• Credit utilization - roughly 30 %; moving from a 30 % to a 10 % utilization ratio typically lifts the score by 20‑40 points, whereas maxing out a card can shave off the same range.
• Length of credit history - around 15 %; adding a year of positive activity may raise the score by 5‑15 points, while closing an old account can cost a comparable hit.
• Credit mix - near 10 %; introducing a small installment loan or a retail card can boost the score by 5‑10 points; lacking diversity may keep it flat.
• Recent inquiries - about 10 %; a hard inquiry usually knocks 5‑10 points for a few months, then fades.

Knowing which factor moves the score the most lets you prioritize actions before you explore where lenders use the IntelliScore.

IntelliScore drives approval decisions for credit‑card issuers, auto‑loan financiers, mortgage lenders, personal‑loan providers and even student‑loan servicers, and that matters because the score determines both whether you get credit and at what cost.

Banks and fintechs use IntelliScore to gauge risk, set interest rates, and automate underwriting; a higher score can mean lower fees, faster approvals, and access to premium products, while a lower score often limits options or raises pricing. For example, a 720‑plus IntelliScore typically unlocks rewards‑rich credit cards and competitive auto‑loan APRs, whereas a 600‑range score may only qualify for subprime mortgages with higher interest.

IntelliScore also enables lenders to evaluate thin or new credit files quickly, reducing manual reviews. Many institutions cite Experian IntelliScore usage by lenders as a core component of their risk models, making the score a pivotal factor in your overall borrowing experience.

• Here are real‑world IntelliScore ranges that have resulted in approvals for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages.
• Credit‑card approval: Capital One credit cards often accept applicants with an IntelliScore of 620  -  680 for standard rewards cards; scores above 680 typically qualify for premium cards with higher limits.
• Auto‑loan approval: Chase auto loans regularly approve borrowers with an IntelliScore of 640  -  700 for new‑car financing; scores 700 + usually secure the lowest APRs.
• Mortgage approval: Quicken Loans mortgage generally requires an IntelliScore of 660  -  720 for a conventional loan; scores 720 + are eligible for the most competitive rates.

Boosting your IntelliScore means acting on the factors Experian weighs most.

1. Automate on‑time payments. Set up auto‑pay for every recurring bill so no payment ever slips past its due date, because payment history drives the largest portion of the score.
2. Lower revolving utilization. Pay down credit‑card balances to keep the ratio of used credit to total reported limit below 30 % on each Experian‑listed account.
3. Preserve old accounts. Keep long‑standing credit cards open, even if you use them rarely, because a longer credit history lifts the score's age component.
4. Add a healthy credit mix. If you only have revolving accounts, consider a small installment loan or a credit‑builder product; a balanced mix signals responsible borrowing.
5. Dispute inaccurate information. Review your Experian file for errors, then file a dispute with Experian; correcting wrong late marks or balances can raise the score instantly.
6. Limit hard inquiries. Apply for new credit only when necessary; each hard pull may shave a few points and stays on the file for two years.

File a dispute and TransUnion must open an investigation within 30 days under the FCRA. Submit the dispute online or by certified mail, include your full name, Social Security number, the specific item you contest, and any supporting documents such as statements or payment proof. TransUnion will forward the item to the furnisher, who must verify its accuracy and report back.

If the investigation leaves the error unchanged, request a re‑investigation and attach new evidence, or consider the next step - filing a CFPB complaint or seeking legal help, as discussed in the following section.

If your IntelliScore looks wrong, start by pulling your free Experian credit report, locate the inaccurate items, and file a dispute directly through Experian's online portal. Upload any supporting documents, such as corrected account statements or identity verification, and mark the dispute as urgent if the error caused a denied application.

After submission, Experian must investigate within 30 days, notify the data furnisher, and update the record if the information proves erroneous; you'll receive a written result that you can use to request a revised IntelliScore from lenders. For example, correcting a mislabeled 'late payment' on a credit‑card that actually paid on time often raises the score by 10‑20 points, restoring the approval odds discussed earlier.