Alternative Data Sources
There is a growing body of work, much of it supported by TransUnion, examining the benefits to consumers and to local economies of increasing the flow of payment information into the credit reporting system from such "non-traditional" data furnishers such as energy utilities, telecommunications providers, cable and wireless providers, etc.
| Study | Purpose | View Study |
New to Credit from | This report focuses on the new to credit consumer population and how their ability to obtain credit is increased through the reporting of alternative data. | » Full Study |
| Credit Reporting Customer Payment Data March 2009 Conducted by: PERC | This study examines the impact and benefits that accrue to consumers, lenders, and utilities and telecommunications firms when telecoms and utilities report customer payment information to credit bureaus. | » Full Study |
| You Score You Win: The Consequences of Giving Credit Where Credit is Due July 2008 Conducted by: PERC | This study examines the long-term effects of using non-traditional data in credit files using quantitative analysis. | » Full Study |
| Using non-traditional data for underwriting loans to thin-file borrowers: Evidence, tips, and precautions March 2008 Conducted by: PERC | This paper, published in the Journal of Risk Management in Financial Institutions, demonstrates the value of non-traditional data as a powerful tool for consumer credit risk assessment while highlighting some of the potential risks and precautions that lenders need to think about before using these tools. | » Full Study |
| Give Credit Where Credit is Due: Increasing Access to Affordable Mainstream Credit Using Alternative Data December 2006 Conducted by: PERC | PERC's landmark study on bringing the estimated 35 to 54 million Americans outside the mainstream credit system into the credit fold. | » Full Study » Executive Summary » Policy Brief |
| Giving Underserved Consumers Better Access to the Credit System: The Promise of Non-traditional Data June 2005 Conducted by: PERC | PERC's initial study on alternative data, Giving Underserved Consumers Better Access to the Credit System examines the likely win-win outcome if non-traditional data is included in credit files. | » Full Study |
