Credit Report Costs Rising: What the 2025 Price Increases Mean for Data Accuracy

Credit reporting costs have increased significantly in 2025, with many lenders facing a minimum 20% increase in their expenses for pulling credit reports. While this affects lenders rather than data furnishers directly, these rising costs underscore an important message: the credit data you report has never been more valuable—or more scrutinized.

Understanding the 2025 Cost Increases

Mortgage lenders and other creditors are experiencing substantial increases in credit reporting expenses. FICO implemented wholesale price increases, adding approximately $1.45 per score. For a standard tri-bureau credit report on a joint application, this translates to an additional $8.70 per borrower.

When combined with credit bureau price adjustments, some lenders report total increases of $18-$20 per borrower, bringing the total cost for a tri-merge credit report and score bundle to $100 or more. As First Community Mortgage CEO Keith Canter noted, some institutions have seen their credit reporting costs jump by 72% since 2023.

Why This Matters for Data Furnishers

As credit reports become more expensive, lenders rely more heavily on the accuracy and completeness of the data they contain. Every error or omission in your reporting can have greater consequences:

• Increased scrutiny of data quality - Lenders paying more for credit data expect it to be accurate and comprehensive
• Higher stakes for errors - Inaccurate reporting can lead to incorrect lending decisions, increasing dispute rates
• Greater value of positive data - Complete payment history reporting helps consumers qualify for better rates
• Enhanced compliance expectations - As costs rise, regulators and consumers have higher expectations for data accuracy

The True Cost of Inaccurate Reporting

While lenders bear the direct cost of pulling credit reports, data furnishers face their own costs when reporting is inaccurate:

• Time and resources spent investigating and correcting disputes
• Potential regulatory penalties for systematic reporting errors
• Damage to your reputation and relationships with credit bureaus
• Legal liability for violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
• Lost opportunities when incomplete reporting hurts consumer creditworthiness

Ensuring Data Quality in Your Reporting

With the heightened importance of credit data, now is the time to review and strengthen your reporting processes:

Verify data accuracy before submission: Use automated validation tools to catch errors before they reach the credit bureaus. M2 Reporter's built-in validation checks ensure your data meets Metro 2® format requirements.

Report complete information: Include all required fields and optional fields that paint a complete picture of account performance. Incomplete reporting can hurt both your customers and your credibility.

Update information promptly: Report account status changes, payments, and other updates on your regular reporting schedule. Delays in reporting can affect consumer credit decisions.

Maintain documentation: Keep records that support your reported data in case of disputes or audits. This protects both you and your customers.

Technology Investment Pays Off

As credit data becomes more valuable, investing in quality reporting software makes financial sense. Automated systems like M2 Reporter help you avoid the costs associated with manual errors while ensuring consistent, compliant reporting.

Sources & References

• "Credit report costs to rise at least 20% in 2025 for mortgage lenders" - HousingWire, November 20, 2024. https://www.housingwire.com/articles/credit-reporting-costs-to-rise-20-or-more-in-2025/