Credit Reports

It is important to view your credit report at least once a year to ensure that the information is correct and free of fraudulent activity. Fortunately, it’s easy to find the information you need.

• What is a credit report?
• Who maintains my credit report?
• What information is included in my credit report?
• How can I get a copy of my credit report?
  

What is a credit report?

A credit report is a detailed account of your individual credit history, compiled by a credit reporting agency. A credit report is used by a potential creditor to evaluate an individual's ability and willingness to repay debt. Banks, department stores, the IRS, the court system, doctors, hospitals, utilities, phone companies, and other companies all submit payment information directly to the credit reporting agency.

Who maintains my credit report?

There are three credit reporting agencies in the United States:

Creditors purchase the information gathered by these companies to help them evaluate a person's ability to repay debt. For example, a credit report helps them decide whether to approve a loan, credit card, or housing application or whether to provide a specific rate on a product or service.

What information is included in my credit report?

• Identification and Employment Information
  Personal information, such as name, birth date, Social Security Number, and employer.
• Payment History
  A list of the accounts you have with different creditors, showing how much credit they extended to you and whether or not you have paid on time.
• Inquiries
  A record of the lenders and creditors that have requested your credit history.
• Public Record Information
  Events that are a matter of public record, such as bankruptcies, foreclosures, or tax liens.

Your report will list all open accounts or charge cards which must be paid in full each month. Each account will have a rating which shows whether it is paid to date or past due, as well as a 24-month history of late payments. Accounts that have been closed by creditors will also be noted.

How can I get a copy of my credit report?

Effective September 1, 2005, you are eligible for a free copy of your credit report under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act). The FACT Act requires the three major credit reporting agencies to provide consumers with a free copy of their own credit report each year. To learn more about annual credit reports, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call (877) 322-8228 or write:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

In addition, a credit report can be ordered from each of the credit bureaus listed below. The reports are usually less than $10, but they are free if you have been turned down for credit, employment, or housing in the past 60 days.

Monitoring your credit for accuracy is an easy step to take in protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft. To request a copy of your credit report, use the information below to contact each credit bureau.

Links to third-party sites are provided for your convenience. Such sites are not within our control and may not follow the same privacy, security, or accessibility standards as ours. The third-party is responsible for the content and availability of its sites, partners or advertisers.