6 Most Frequently Asked Credit Report Questions And Answers

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There’s a crude adage about what happens when you assume something–I won’t repeat it. However, I’m going to make an assumption that at one point you’ve signed up for some sort of financing plan. Any time you borrow money, you accrue credit, and most of the data involved is captured in a credit report. A credit report is supposed to be a reflection of how you’ve used credit in the past, including how much debt you’ve incurred, and whether or not you’ve paid the debt off on time.

Questions swirl around credit reports, and we have answers.

1. Where Can I Find My Credit Report?

You can access your credit report from three credit reporting agencies (also known as credit bureaus): Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. Each entity sources your credit information from wherever you’ve borrowed–like mortgage lenders, for example–and collates it into a credit report. Now, it’s important to note that each agency is a little different and may not capture the same information, so it’s a best practice to check all three. You can also get a report by visiting websites such as annualcreditreport.com.

2. What Specific Information Does A Credit Report Include?

There are four main items included in your credit report:

• Personal information, including your name, date-of-birth, Social Security Number, current and past home addresses, phone numbers, and current and former employers.
• Financial accounts – A record of your credit accounts, including credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages, or auto loans. Creditor names, account numbers, balances, payment history, and account status are all included on the list.
• Public records like court cases.
• Any entity that has recently requested viewing your credit report and when.

3. What Is A Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number from 300 to 850 that measures the likelihood that you’ll pay your bills on time. Credit reporting agencies determine your score by a complex system that reviews items such as your payment history, the amount of debt you have, and the length of your credit history. The higher your score, the better, making it easier for you to work with lenders. Per Equifax, here are the scoring ranges:

• 300-579: Poor
• 580-669: Fair
• 670-739: Good
• 740-799: Very good
• 800-850: Excellent

4. Can Others Check My Credit Report?

Yes. Certain people and entities with whom you engage financially can view your credit report for a permissible purpose. When others check your credit, it may affect your credit score. In addition to yourself, these include:

• Lenders – Lenders in this context include credit card companies, mortgage companies, and auto lenders. Lenders require your consent to review your credit report when you apply for new credit.
• Landlords – Applying to lease an apartment or home can prompt a landlord to rightfully request your current credit report. Here again, they must ask for your permission.
• Insurers – Insurance applications can be viewed as a financial account, and insurers may want to review your credit report to determine coverage eligibility. Insurers require your consent to review your credit report.
• Employers – In addition to the interview and checking references, as part of the hiring process, employers may request your credit report. However, once again they require your written consent.

5. How Much Does It Cost?

Nothing. The Fair Credit Reporting Act entitles you to a free copy of each of your three credit reports once per year. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request your copies. (Due to Covid-19, consumers can actually review their credit report weekly for no charge.)

6. What If There Are Errors On My Report?

Each reporting agency has a dispute process, which consists of writing a letter to the credit bureau that explains in detail what is factually wrong with your credit report. Sometimes this is an easy process, while other times corrections are not easy to obtain. The Fair Credit Reporting Act provides avenues to consumers to have complete and accurate credit files. 15 U.S.C.1681

I’ll close with another adage: knowledge is power. Understanding your credit report and credit score will help you make the right decisions when planning financially.

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