Wealthy PotCredit Karma vs Experian (2026)
Both offer free credit monitoring, but they show different scores. Credit Karma is free and tracks two bureaus (TransUnion and Equifax) using VantageScore; Experian’s free tier shows a real FICO Score 8, but only for the Experian bureau. Use Credit Karma for broader free tracking, Experian if you specifically want a genuine FICO score.
By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026
| Feature | Credit Karma | Experian |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Fully free: scores, reports, monitoring (no paid tier) | Free FICO 8 + 1-bureau monitoring (no card needed) |
| Paid price | Free | CreditWorks Premium $24.99/mo (family $34.99) |
| Bureaus monitored | TransUnion + Equifax | Experian (free); all 3 (Premium) |
| Score type | VantageScore 3.0 (not FICO) | FICO Score 8 (real FICO) |
| ID-theft insurance | No (free monitoring only) | $1M (Premium) |
| Best for | Anyone who wants free two-bureau score tracking at no cost | People who want a real FICO score free, direct from a bureau |
Where Credit Karma wins
- Completely free, no trial or card required
- Monitors two bureaus (TransUnion + Equifax)
- Score updates, alerts, and free tax filing tools
- Simulators and personalized offers
Where Experian wins
- Free score is a real FICO Score 8, straight from the bureau
- Experian Boost can add utility/streaming payments to your file
- Free dark-web and one-bureau monitoring
- Direct access to your Experian report
Which should you choose?
Both offer free credit monitoring, but they show different scores. Credit Karma is free and tracks two bureaus (TransUnion and Equifax) using VantageScore; Experian’s free tier shows a real FICO Score 8, but only for the Experian bureau. Use Credit Karma for broader free tracking, Experian if you specifically want a genuine FICO score.
Compare these against every option in our credit-monitoring comparison.
We summarize each service's published features, not user reviews. Prices and features change and are re-checked against each provider's official page. Free tools often show VantageScore, not the FICO score lenders use. Some outbound links may be affiliate links — that never affects our comparisons. Nothing here is financial or legal advice.