Check Your Credit Score and History for Free
Do you know what is on your credit report? Getting a copy is easy, just contact one of the credit reporting agencies once a year to receive a copy, absolutely free. Interpreting the credit bureau’s information is simple too.
Most merchants deal with one of the major credit bureaus. If you have ever applied for a loan or for credit, you have a file at one of the three major credit bureaus. What this means for you is that to get your credit bureau report, you may need to request a report from all 3 so that you can get a look at your credit bureau “big picture” so you can repair your credit score and history if necessary.
Getting a free credit report is as simple as contacting the credit bureau. All you have to do is make the request online from one or all of the major credit bureaus. Otherwise, you can request your report by mail. Be prepared to provide some identifying information, to confirm that the report you are ordering is your own. Although some web sites charge a fee for a credit report, you are not required to pay any fee; the credit bureau must give you one free credit report per year.
Once your credit report is in your hands, look it over carefully. Check the first section for errors. It contains your personal information, such as name and address. If there are any inaccuracies, you can ask the credit bureau to correct them.
Next up is the section listing your current obligations like home and car loans, student loans, credit cards, and other bills. Make sure that all the accounts listed are actually yours, and that the payments and balances are correct. This is the spot where any late or missed payments will show up as well.
Your credit reports from different agencies will vary slightly, as merchants report to different agencies. It is possible to have an excellent credit score with two of the 3 major bureaus and a poor rating with the other, for example. Your report will also list any inquiries, or requests to view your information by lenders or other entities. Review your inquiries carefully to make sure no unauthorized persons have requested your report.
Be sure to contact the credit bureau with any information that needs to be corrected regarding your debt and credit history, so the credit bureau can take steps to make the necessary corrections.
Monitoring your credit report on an annual basis will keep you up to date on your credit profile, and help give you a sense of peace and security about your financial outlook.
Related posts:
- How to Order Free Credit Reports Online
- A Company To Help Your Credit Report And Score
- Understanding Your Credit Report and Why it Matters
- How Is It Possible That My Credit Score Dropped?
- Understanding Your Credit Score Info
