Experian provides renters with an opportunity to build credit history through new collaboration with ClearNow®

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Experian®, the leading global information services company, today announced that it has extended its capability to accept rental payment data from individual landlords and property managers through its new collaboration with ClearNow®.  ClearNow offers a low-cost and easy solution for collecting and making payments electronically and automatically. Experian, through its RentBureau® business, currently receives rental payment data from more than 3,000 apartment communities, most of which are managed by large property management companies. Whether a renter lives in a large apartment complex or rents from a landlord that only manages one property, Experian now will provide an opportunity for all renters to build credit history through rental payments.

"We're thrilled to offer a simple way for many responsible Americans to get the credit they deserve by making their rental payments as agreed," said Steven Wagner, president, Experian Consumer Information Services. "In the past year, we have led the industry in helping renters build credit history, and with the latest collaboration with ClearNow, we are achieving another major milestone."

ClearNow allows landlords and property managers to electronically collect rent from their tenants via an automatic bank account debit. This relationship will allow renters to enjoy the convenience of automating their rent payment, which can help avoid late payments, and opt in to reporting their rent payment history to Experian RentBureau. Experian currently includes rental payments on its credit reports which helps many responsible renters build credit history.

RentBureau is the largest and most widely used credit reporting agency for the multifamily industry. RentBureau's database receives rental payment histories every 24 hours from property management companies and currently includes more than 9 million residents nationwide. Data contributors report their rental data to RentBureau directly and automatically. Property management companies utilize this data to screen new rental applicants' payment history as part of their existing resident screening services.

To learn more about Experian RentBureau, please visit www.rentbureau.com.

For renters interested in building credit history through rental payments, please visit www.experian.com/buildcredithistory.

About Experian

Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2012 was US$4.5 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 44 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com.

Experian and the Experian marks used herein are service marks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:

Kristine Snyder
Experian Public Relations
1 714 830 5192
[email protected]

SOURCE Experian