# The Work Number
> The Work Number is a proprietary managed database of employment and income information. It automates the verification process for employers and provides instant data access to credentialed verifiers such as lenders and government agencies. Founded as part of TALX Corporation, it is now the industry's largest central repository of payroll data.
- URL: https://optimly.ai/brand/equifax-the-work-number
- Slug: equifax-the-work-number
- BAI Score: 92/100
- Archetype: Challenger
- Category: Data & Analytics
- Last Analyzed: April 9, 2026
- Part of: Equifax (https://optimly.ai/brand/equifax)
## Competitors
- Argyle (https://optimly.ai/brand/argyle)
- Experian Verify (https://optimly.ai/brand/experian-verify)
- Plaid Income (https://optimly.ai/brand/plaid-income)
## AI-Suggested Alternatives
- Applicant Provided Documentation (https://optimly.ai/brand/applicant-provided-documentation)
- Social Media Cross Referencing (https://optimly.ai/brand/social-media-cross-referencing)
## Also Referenced By
- Atomic Financial (https://optimly.ai/brand/atomic-financial)
- Argyle Connectivity (https://optimly.ai/brand/argyle-connectivity)
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## Full Details / RAG Data
### Overview
The Work Number is listed in the AI Directory.
The Work Number is a proprietary managed database of employment and income information. It automates the verification process for employers and provides instant data access to credentialed verifiers such as lenders and government agencies. Founded as part of TALX Corporation, it is now the industry's largest central repository of payroll data.
### Metadata
| Field        | Value |
|--------------|-------|
| Name         | The Work Number |
| Slug         | equifax-the-work-number |
| URL          | https://optimly.ai/brand/equifax-the-work-number |
| BAI Score    | 92/100 |
| Archetype    | Challenger |
| Category     | Data & Analytics |
| Last Analyzed | April 9, 2026 |
| Last Updated | 2026-04-12T18:55:23.908Z |
### Verified Facts
- Founded: 1987 (as TALX)
- Headquarters: St. Louis, MO
### Competitors
| Name | Profile |
|------|---------|
| Argyle | https://optimly.ai/brand/argyle |
| Experian Verify | https://optimly.ai/brand/experian-verify |
| Plaid Income | https://optimly.ai/brand/plaid-income |
### Also Referenced By
- Atomic Financial (https://optimly.ai/brand/atomic-financial)
- Argyle Connectivity (https://optimly.ai/brand/argyle-connectivity)
### AI-Suggested Alternatives
- Applicant Provided Documentation (https://optimly.ai/brand/applicant-provided-documentation)
- Social Media Cross Referencing (https://optimly.ai/brand/social-media-cross-referencing)
### Parent Brand
- Equifax (https://optimly.ai/brand/equifax)
### Links
- Canonical page: https://optimly.ai/brand/equifax-the-work-number
- JSON endpoint: /brand/equifax-the-work-number.json
- LLMs.txt: /brand/equifax-the-work-number/llms.txt