How Does Experian Smart Money™ Work?

Quick Answer

Experian Smart Money™ is a new digital checking account and debit card that links to Experian Boost®, which automatically gives you credit for eligible payments. You’ll also pay no monthly fees and have access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide.

Smiling young woman holding a new debit card in front of a purple background.

To view important disclosures about the Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card, visit experian.com/legal.

You work hard for your money, and you want it to work hard for you. The Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card links to Experian Boost®ø to give you credit for eligible payments made through your digital checking account after three months of payments. That means your monthly spending could help improve your credit scores—without additional debt.

You'll also pay no monthly fees for your digital checking account, have access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide** and more. Here's how Experian Smart Money works.

How Does Experian Smart Money Work?

The Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account and Debit Card could help you build credit without debt by automatically linking your account to Experian Boost to scan your transaction history for eligible bill payments. Experian Boost then uses these payments to potentially help boost your FICO® Score .

Your payment history has the single biggest impact on your credit score. So whether you're new to credit or you're rebuilding your score, adding bill payments that don't usually factor into your scores—such as utility, streaming and eligible rent payments—can help you make strides toward your credit goals.

Experian Smart Money Account Features

Beyond linking to Experian Boost, here's how Experian Smart Money helps you take control of your money and improve your financial health.

  • Instant access to your virtual debit card: When you sign up for Experian Smart Money, you'll get instant access to your virtual debit card (you can also request a physical cardΔ once you have money in your account). On top of that, you'll get essential financial tools, such as online bill pay and money transfers#.
  • Early direct deposits: When you set up direct deposit to your Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account, you could receive your paycheck up to two days early. Plus, you may be eligible to earn a one-time $50 bonus.
  • No junk fees: Experian Smart Money charges no monthly maintenance fees. Also, you can withdraw money without a fee at more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide.
  • No minimum deposit: Experian Smart Money can help anyone improve their finances and build credit. You don't need any certain minimum deposit amount to open your Experian Smart Money account, and you'll never be charged fees for a low account balance.

In addition to these Experian Smart Money benefits, as an Experian member, you'll also have access to other services, including free credit monitoring. Monitoring your credit helps you stay up to speed on any updates to your credit report and FICO® Score every month.

Within your Experian account dashboard, you'll also have a clear view of your cash flow for connected accounts each month. Seeing how much you're spending compared with how much you're getting paid is key to strengthening your financial stability over time.

Is Experian Smart Money Legit?

Yes, Experian Smart Money is a legitimate digital checking account and debit card designed by the credit experts at Experian. Keep in mind that Experian isn't a bank, and neither is Experian Smart Money: It's a digital checking account and debit card you can open if you have an Experian membership. Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Accounts are held at Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), member FDIC. That means your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor§.

How Much Does Experian Smart Money Cost?

It costs nothing to open an Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account, but you must be either a free or paid Experian member. You also won't pay any fees when you withdraw money at more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and you won't be charged any monthly fees or minimum deposit fees for your Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account and Debit Card.

You can sign up for Experian Smart Money for free through your Experian account, where you'll also have access to free credit monitoring and other features.

Helping You on Your Financial Journey

Navigating choices about how to manage money can get complicated. Experian Smart Money makes it simple—and helps you get your finances and credit in control.

If you're currently paying for cellphone and utility bills, rent or streaming subscriptions, you can start building credit simply by switching your monthly payments to your new debit card. With linked credit-building and financial advantages, the Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account and Debit Card is a tool that could help you achieve your financial goals.