Credit Reports & Credit Scores
Your credit report is a detailed record of how you've managed your credit over time. Lenders use your credit report -- or the credit score that results from the data in it -- to help them decide whether to grant you credit and, if so, under what terms.
Understanding what is, and isn't, in your credit report will help you maintain good credit, and rebuild it when your credit is not so good. It's also important to frequently review your credit report, so that you can find errors, information you might dispute, or even signs of identity theft. Understanding what a credit score is and how it affects your credit is also key to good financial health.
Below you'll find articles on credit reports, credit scores, and how to get them.
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When Should I Use a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze or security freeze seals your credit report so that a thief cannot open accounts in your name.
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Learn what a credit report is and what information it contains.
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The Nationwide Credit Reporting Agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Learn about Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – the three nationwide credit bureaus.
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Learn what your credit score is and how to improve it.
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Who Can Look at Your Credit Report
Find out what people, businesses, and entities are allowed to order your credit report.
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Special Credit Reports: Investigative Reports
Investigative reports are consumer reports that contain personal information about you.
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Less than 40% of Americans have FICO scores of more than 750 -- which is considered to be a very good score.
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VantageScore is a credit score produced by Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Learn how it is calculated and how to improve it.
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The new FICO mortgage credit score may change your ability to get a home loan.
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Rent Payment History on Your Credit Report? What Tenants Need to Know
New credit reporting practice tracks rent delinquencies and non-payment of rent.
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What Is the Difference Between a Credit Report and Credit Score?
Although closely interrelated, credit reports and credit scores are different.
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Beware of Credit Report Scams When Applying for Jobs on Craigslist
Don't pay for a credit report or give out personal information when applying for Craigslist jobs.
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Getting Additional Free Credit Reports
In certain situations, you can get more than one free credit report within a 12-month period.
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Getting Your Free Credit Report
Every 12 months, you can get one free credit report from each of the credit reporting agencies.
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Getting Credit Reports From Specialty Consumer Reporting Agencies
Here's how to get your credit report from the "other" credit bureaus.
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Paying for Additional Credit Reports
If you have already gotten your free yearly credit report, you can buy another for a small fee.
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Should You Pay to Get Your Credit Score?
It's often not worth the money to pay for your credit score. Here's why.
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When You Can Get Your Credit Score for Free
In certain situations, the creditor must provide you with a free credit score.
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Will delinquent medical debt on my credit report prevent me from qualifying for a mortgage?
Learn what a tradeline is and what is means for your credit report.
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My account was “charged-off” and placed in collection. Will that go on my credit report?
Find the answer here.
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Tradelines: Why Accounts or Debts Can Appear Several Times on Credit Reports
Learn what a tradeline is and what is means for your credit report.
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