Understanding Your Credit Report
A key to improving your financial situation is to understand your credit report. These tips will help you to understand what information is on your credit report.
1. You are entitled to a credit report every 12 months. Your credit score will not appear on the credit report.
2. To access your credit report, follow the link under Quick Links or you can go to www.Annualcreditreport.com.
3. Review your credit report to see if the information on it is actually your information.
4. Review that your name, social security number and address are correct.
5. The credit report will show the following:
a. The total amount you owe.
b. Who you owe money to or the name of the bill.
c. If you have been late on a bill.
d. Your report may show items such as: collections, repossessions, bankruptcies, unpaid bills or tax levies.
6. Your credit score is affected by:
a. If you make your payments on time.
b. If you pay the amount that is due.
c. The length of your credit history.
d. If you have new credit.
7. Improving your credit score can be done by:
a. Paying your bills on time.
b. Getting current on your bills and staying current.
c. Paying off a collection will not remove it from your credit report. It can stay on a credit report for 7 to 10 years.
d. Keeping balances low and paying off debt.
e. Spending only what is in your budget.
Mistakes on Your Credit Report
If you find an error on your credit report you will need to contact all three credit bureau's (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) in writing. You may visit their websites for instructions:
Improving Your Credit Score
Improving your credit score will get you better credit offers and lower interest rates. By improving your credit score it will help you financially and make your finances less stressful. You will have fewer bills and be better budgeted!
since 1954