For many Americans, the dream of homeownership can feel just out of reach. Credit scores, down payments, and rising home prices often stand in the way, especially for first-time buyers and communities of color. Now, a new collaboration between HomeFree-USA and Experian (LSE: EXPN) aims to make that dream a little more attainable.
HomeFree-USA, a nonprofit focused on closing the homeownership gap, has partnered with Experian to launch the Experian CreditCenter, a free online tool designed to help potential homebuyers better understand and manage their credit. Backed by FICO (NYSE: FICO), the service will be available at no cost to 5,000 aspiring homeowners in the United States through June 30, 2026.
The Experian CreditCenter offers users access to their Experian credit report, their FICO Score 2, and a suite of interactive tools including a score simulator, score planner, and score tracker. These resources are intended to help users see how different actions, like paying down debt or opening a new credit account, could affect their credit score over time.
Milan Griffin, chief operating officer at HomeFree-USA, notes that credit is a major barrier for many prospective buyers. “The Experian CreditCenter may be able to help accelerate buyers’ path to mortgage readiness and offers housing counselors insight to better assist their clients,” Griffin said.
Credit scores play a central role in the mortgage process. Lenders use them to assess risk and determine eligibility for loans. A higher credit score can mean better interest rates and more favorable loan terms, while a lower score can limit options or increase costs.
According to recent research commissioned by Experian, nearly 70 percent of U.S. adults who doubt their ability to buy a home cite high home prices as the biggest obstacle, followed by the size of the down payment and concerns about their credit score. By providing free access to credit information and educational tools, Experian and HomeFree-USA hope to give users more control over their financial future and a clearer path toward homeownership.
Experian is a global leader in data and technology, with a presence in 32 countries and a workforce of over 23,000 people. The company offers a range of services from credit reporting to fraud prevention and financial education. Its partnership with HomeFree-USA is part of a broader commitment to financial inclusion.
Michele Bodda, president of Experian Employer Services, Verification Solutions and Housing, emphasizes the importance of the initiative. “Homeownership is a crucial step in building generational wealth. By furthering our work with HomeFree-USA and offering the Experian CreditCenter, we can provide more consumers with tools and resources necessary to support their dreams of owning a home,” Bodda said.
FICO, whose credit score is used by 90 percent of top U.S. lenders, is also supporting the initiative. Geoff Smith, vice president and general manager of Consumer Scores at FICO, said, “The Experian CreditCenter will provide the FICO Score as well as FICO Score tools and content for free, enabling homeowners across the US to have insight into their FICO Score and credit health to take better control of their financial future”.
In addition to the Experian CreditCenter, Experian has developed the Credit Academy, a financial literacy curriculum offered through HomeFree-USA’s Center for Financial Advancement. The program reaches hundreds of university students and aims to build long-term financial skills.
HomeFree-USA, founded in 1994, serves more than 6 million consumers through a national network of community-based nonprofits. The organization focuses on guiding people to first-time homeownership and helping them sustain it over time.
