Consumer
Credit
Reports
Online
Guide
Consumer Credit Reports Online Guide
The Consumer Credit Report Online Guide is designed as a general resource page describing how to order and check your personal credit report.
We provide information on both qualifying for a free credit report and ordering a credit report (single, merged, and/or online) from the major Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) - Equifax, Experian (TRW), and Trans Union. In addition we provide information on how to correct any errors you discover after examining your personal credit report.
We provide information on subjects including:
- Do you qualify for a free credit report under state law or the Fair Credit Reporting Act?
- What are your credit report ordering options and how can you view your report online?
- What are your rights as a consumer?
- How to fix errors on your credit report?
- Why check your credit report?
- Can consumers fight back against credit fraud?
- Answers to various frequently asked questions.
The Credit Report Agencies (CRAs) gather consumers' credit histories and then sell that information to credit-grantors, such as banks, retailers or credit-card companies. Nationally, there are three main CRAs: Equifax, Experian (formerly TRW) and Trans Union. Companies use credit reports from the CRAs to evaluate an individual's credit record in a wide range of situations including applications for credit, insurance, employment, and rental housing.
Your report can contain the following information about you:
- General information, such as name, Social Security Number, marital status and address (both past and present);
- Employer name and address;
- Debtors and payment history;
- Inquirers of your credit file; and,
- Public record information, such as bankruptcies or liens
One's credit report is an important aspect of an individuals financial life. They serve as the main repository and reference point of a person’s financial history. It is important to know and understand what's on your report. And of course, to check for mistakes on your report.
If you are concerned about your credit - either because of past problems or future plans to apply for credit, housing, or employment - we recommend you order your credit report . (First, make sure to see if you qualify for a free credit report.). Examine the report to familiarize yourself with your recorded financial history and check for and correct and errors.
Also remember that while a report from a single agency is a good starting point to monitoring your personal credit history, information provided by each of the CRAs may be different.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial, credit, or legal advice.
Copyright © 2000-2001. All rights reserved.