Credit Reports

You need to know how your credit looks.  It’s 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.

The “big three” credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion share your credit information with lenders and creditors when you apply for credit.

A credit report includes four basic types of information:

• 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.

Requesting a report