There are three main credit bureaus that deal with your credit report and each one collects its own information and issues its own reports. You should collect all three credit reports and compare them for any errors.

The major CRAs (credit reporting agencies) consist of: Equifax, TranUinon and Experian. Every year upon your request each one will give you a co[y of your credit report free of charge.

Because of the lack of communication between the three CRAs there is often old information or errors on one or more of the reports. If this occurs simply get in touch with the credit bureau and provide them with the correct info. Correcting inaccurate information on your credit report is very important as it directly affects your credit rating.

There are 3 ways to get your hands a hold of your free report. One: fill out the back side of the brochure by the Federal Trade Commission and send by mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Two: Make a call to (877) 322-8228. Three: Go online to Annual Credit Report . com and request them.

Your credit report will have the following details: Your personal information (such as address and employer), active and closed accounts, any credit products you may have (including overdraft etc.) and the current balance on each, a review of your payment history and any missed payments or collections.

There is common misconception that when you receive your report you will also get your credit score or FICO rating. This is not the case. Your FICO score is based on the information on each report but is not attached.

When you order your credit report you really should go through a centralized agency, otherwise it take a lot longer to get through an individual credit bureau. You may order all three reports at the same time or separately throughout the year.

More information is available through the credit consumer report website.

Jacob Damier has been helping people with credit for over 10 years and is a contributing consultant for CreditConsumerReport .com and consults for Veridian credit Union and Evergreen Credit. For more information and resources regarding credit feel free to visit our site.

Technorati Tags: Credit History, credit reports, Experian credit report, Finance, get free credit report, how to get a free credit report, reading credit reports, TransUinon credit report, understanding credit reports, what's on a credit report

There are three main credit bureaus that deal with your credit report and each one collects its own information and issues its own reports. You should collect all three credit reports and compare them for any errors.

The major CRAs (credit reporting agencies) consist of: Equifax, TranUinon and Experian. Every year upon your request each one will give you a co[y of your credit report free of charge.

It is important to review your reports carefully. If you find any outdated or inaccurate information be sure to contact the CRA and inform them of the error. Errors on your credit report can be a serious matter as they may affect your credit score, making it difficult to qualify for loans etc.

There are 3 ways to get your hands a hold of your free report. One: fill out the back side of the brochure by the Federal Trade Commission and send by mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Two: Make a call to (877) 322-8228. Three: Go online to Annual Credit Report . com and request them.

What will your credit report have on it? The report is simply a brief summary your credit products and your payment history. You will find a list of accounts, credit products and their outstanding balances along with a history of any missed or late payments.

When you receive your credit you will not find a credit score. A credit score or FICO score is a numbered rating based on the FICO scale to help lenders determine your credit worthiness based on information on your credit report. Poor credit ratings are often the result of old or inaccurate information, which is why it so important to check your report often.

When you order your credit report you really should go through a centralized agency, otherwise it take a lot longer to get through an individual credit bureau. You may order all three reports at the same time or separately throughout the year.

For additional resources see the credit consumer report . com website.

Technorati Tags: Credit History, credit reports, Experian credit report, Finance, get free credit report, how to get a free credit report, reading credit reports, TransUinon credit report, understanding credit reports, what's on a credit report