Key takeaways
From March 2026, Experian are moving to a more comprehensive Experian credit score and report.
Following Experian’s acquisition of illion, they are combining data to create a richer, more complete credit view. This means you will no longer see a credit score and report from illion.
Your score will now be out of 1,200 rather than out of 1,000.
Your score will now reflect an even more complete view of your credit file.
You don’t need to do anything — ClearScore remains free, easy and regularly updated.
What’s happening?
We’re upgrading to a single, more comprehensive credit score to give you one clear credit picture in ClearScore.
Following Experian’s acquisition of illion, they are combining both datasets into what’s sometimes called a Unified Bureau — bringing together illion’s broader lender coverage with Experian’s data.
From March 2026, your ClearScore experience will reflect this upgrade.
Why are we making this upgrade?
Following Experian’s acquisition of illion, they are now giving you access to a richer dataset through the Unified Bureau.
This means you will no longer see a credit score and report from illion.
By combining information from both bureaus, your score now reflects an even more complete view of your credit file. This helps:
Create a more consistent credit profile
Reduce confusion from comparing multiple scores
Provide a clearer understanding of your credit health
This is about clarity and completeness — not reduction.
Why is the score now out of 1,200 instead of 1,000?
As part of this upgrade, your credit score is now shown on a scale up to 1,200.
Think of it like switching to a ruler with more markings. You’re not suddenly better or worse — you’re simply seeing your credit strength in greater detail.
Your credit position hasn’t changed just because the scale looks different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my score look different?
Your score now reflects an even more complete view of your credit file.
Following Experian’s acquisition of illion, they are combining data from more sources. That means your score is calculated using a broader dataset than before.
As a result, some people may notice movement in their score. This reflects a more comprehensive view of their credit profile.
You may also see small, regular changes over time as credit providers continue reporting updates — this is normal.
What does this mean for my credit report?
Experian are giving you access to a richer dataset through the Unified Bureau.
This means your credit report may now include information that previously sat within illion’s dataset but wasn’t reflected in the same way before. The goal is a more accurate and consistent credit profile.
Is this a downgrade?
No. This is an upgrade to a single, more comprehensive score.
It’s driven by Experian combining datasets after acquiring illion — and is designed to give you one clear credit picture, based on richer information.
Has my creditworthiness changed?
Not automatically.
Your creditworthiness changes over time based on your financial behaviour and what credit providers report. Around this upgrade, you may notice score movement because it now reflects a broader dataset.
But the change itself does not automatically make your credit position better or worse.
Will lenders see the same score I see?
Lenders may use different bureaus.
ClearScore shows your Experian score, designed to help you track and understand your credit history. It may not be identical to every lender’s internal assessment, but it reflects the same underlying credit information.
My number stayed the same but it’s now out of 1,200 — is that worse?
Not necessarily.
The scale has changed to provide greater detail. A different maximum doesn’t automatically mean your credit standing is worse.
What matters most is your overall credit behaviour and profile.
I no longer see a credit score — why?
As part of the transition to the unified Experian dataset, some users may see:
“Insufficient credit history to generate a score.”
This means Experian doesn’t currently have enough eligible credit information available to calculate a score.
This can happen if you have no credit history or if your credit history has not been reported to Experian or illion.
It does not mean you’ve done anything wrong.
How can I generate a score?
A score can appear once a credit provider reports eligible credit activity (for example, a new enquiry or an active credit account).
Helpful next steps:
Check your personal details (name, address, date of birth) are accurate and consistent
If you use credit, keep accounts in good standing and make repayments on time
If you don’t currently use credit, a score may only be generated once eligible credit activity is reported
We can’t guarantee timing, as this depends on what credit providers report, to which bureau, and when.
Does checking ClearScore affect my score?
No. Checking your credit score in ClearScore is a soft check, which does not impact your credit score.
Will this affect my offers or eligibility?
Your offers continue to be matched to your credit profile.
This upgrade gives a more complete view of your credit file, but lending decisions are always made by individual providers. We can’t guarantee approval outcomes.
How often does my credit report update?
Your credit report is updated every 30 days.
What if I think something is incorrect?
If something doesn’t look right:
Check your personal details first
Contact the credit provider that reported the information
If needed, lodge a dispute with the credit bureau
If you’re unsure where to start, our support team can guide you.
Privacy: what data is shared?
ClearScore provides access to your credit information sourced from credit reporting bodies such as Experian.
We use your information to provide the ClearScore service
We do not share your credit report with lenders just because you check it
Lenders access credit information through their own processes (for example, when you apply for credit)
For more detail, please see our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Do I need to do anything?
No. There’s nothing you need to do.
You’ll continue to access your credit score and report in ClearScore — now with one clear credit picture powered by Experian’s combined dataset.
Still need help?
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