Credit Report Basics

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Credit Report Basics

Learn about credit reports, how they are used, and how to review yours.

Despite the importance of credit files, it has been estimated that as many as 70% of all credit reports contain errors, and 25% of these are so inaccurate that a consumer may be rejected for a loan or employment. As a consumer, it is critical for you to know and regularly review the information contained in your credit report, and to ensure that the information reported is accurate.

What is a Credit Report, How is it Used, and What Does it Contain?

Learn how long negative information stays on your credit report and how to dispute incorrect or outdated information.

At some point, nearly everyone is late on a payment or faces financial hardship for one reason or another. Though the situation may be successfully resolved, it can still haunt you on your credit report and negatively impact your credit score for years to come.

How Long Does Negative Information Stay on My Credit Report?

How to Dispute Information on Your Credit Report

Learn how much it costs to purchase your credit report, find out if you live in a reduced fee state, and learn how to obtain FREE copies of your credit reports.

Credit Report Costs and Special State Rights

FREE Annual Credit Reports under FACTA

Free Credit Reports due to Adverse Action

Other Rights to Obtain Free Copies of your Credit Reports

Learn about fraud alerts, extended fraud alerts, and military active duty fraud alerts.

Fraud Alerts

Extended Fraud Alerts

Military (Active Duty) Fraud Alerts

Learn about credit freezes (security freezes), what they are, where they are available, and how to place them.

Credit Freezes (Security Freezes)

Learn about fraud victim statements, what they are, and how to place them.

Fraud Victim Statements

Contact information for all of the national credit reporting agencies (credit bureaus), including addresses, telephone numbers, and websites.

Equifax

Experian

TransUnion

Innovis

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