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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
James Andrews

Paying for your own Netflix or Amazon Prime could now help you buy a home

A string of payments for digital subscriptions and more can be used to boost your credit score for the first time.

That means if you're the person paying for Netflix, you'll find it easier to be accepted for everything from a new credit card to a mortgage.

An estimated 17 million people will see their credit scores rise as a result, Experian said.

The new service was first rolled out in the US - but is now available in the UK.

It means people who make regular payments for things like council tax, into savings accounts and for digital subscriptions can see that reflected on in their credit score.

Initial figures show 17 million people will benefit as a result, with one in eight moving up an entire category.

One person in eight will see their overall score boosted enough to move them up a category (shared content unit)

At launch, Experian Boost will take into account regular payments to the following:

  • Digital entertainment services such as Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime

  • Council tax

  • Savings & investments

People using it can see their credit score rise by up to 66 points as a result - that's a bigger boost than registering to vote gets you.

To register you need to head to the Experian Boost page, and link your bank account to your credit report.

Experian then scans your transactions looking for regular payments.

The service uses Open Banking technology, meaning it's as secure as can be for you and they don't store your details.

There's also a promise that, no matter what they find, your credit score won't go down as a result of the process.

"We'll be looking for trends that show strong payment history, such as paying into savings or investment accounts regularly and generally paying your Council Tax, or even your Netflix or Spotify subscriptions, on time," Experian explains.

"If the information we find is positive overall, we’ll calculate a Boost (with the maximum score raise hitting an increase of up to 66 points) and instantly apply it to your Experian Credit Score. When you apply for credit, we’ll share your Boost data with participating lenders."

Andrew Hagger, personal finance expert from MoneyComms, said:  “I’m sure many customers will welcome the opportunity to boost their credit score in the current difficult financial climate.

“The Experian Boost service is an excellent example of how open banking can deliver tangible rewards for consumers. The potential financial benefits of this new initiative could see some customers having access to more favourable interest rate terms and improved credit limits.

“It’s refreshing to see this new partnership between Experian and key UK lenders and I hope it sets a precedent for the wider credit score industry”.

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