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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Learn what a good credit score is, how credit scores are calculated, and why your credit score is important.
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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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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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What's a Credit Freeze and When Should I Use One?
A security freeze prevents potential creditors from accessing your credit history. Then, criminals can't get loans or other forms of credit in your name.
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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've already obtained all of your free yearly credit reports, you can buy another.
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My account was "charged-off" and placed in collection. Will that go on my credit report?
If a creditor writes-off your account and sends it to collection, it will report that to the credit bureaus.
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What’s the Difference Between a Credit Freeze and a Credit Lock?
Credit freezes and credit locks help protect your credit data from fraudulent use.
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Which Is Worse for My Credit Score: Bankruptcy or a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure?
Completing a deed in lieu of foreclosure or filing for bankruptcy will cause your credit score to drop. Find out which one is worse for your score.
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