If you have never seen a copy your credit report, you definitely should
order a 3–in–1 credit report, which includes your credit report from
Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Why a 3–in–1 credit report? The three
national credit bureaus do not communicate with each other, so you actually have
three credit histories. It is up to you to make sure that your credit histories
are accurate, so you should get all three of your credit reports. ( more... )
Building Positive Credit
What if you have no credit?
You apply for a credit card because you need credit. Unfortunately, the credit card issuer rejects your application. The reason: you don't have a sufficient credit history. You ask yourself, "How do I build a credit history when I can't get credit?" ( more... )
Who Else Is Checking Up On You?
You've checked your credit reports from the major credit bureaus, all three of them (Experian, Trans Union and Equifax). You've checked for errors and corrected them. Are you now "in the know" about your credit profile? Not exactly. Beyond the substantial information that is reported by the major credit bureaus, there may be more information about you being reported out there. ( more... )
Your Credit Score
Your risk ranking and how to improve it.
Credit scoring is nothing new. Credit card issuers have used a credit score
for years to evaluate applicants. Most mortgage companies have been using credit
scores in their approval process. With increased automation in the credit approval
process and the shift by lenders to "risk–based pricing," your
credit score is becoming a major factor in determining whether you are approved
and what terms you get. ( more... )
Correcting Credit Report Errors
If you find any incorrect information on your credit report(s), you can dispute that item by simply filling out a "Research Request or Dispute Form" which usually comes with your credit report. If you did not receive a form here are some common problems that may appear on a credit report that can affect your ability to obtain credit ( more... )
Negative Information On Your Credit Report
Though Federal law DOES NOT require credit reporting agencies to report negative information on your credit report, it does specify how long it can remain there. Most negative information must be erased after seven years from the date of original delinquency or, in the case of public records, the date of filing. This includes late payments, accounts that the lender turns over to a collection agency and judgments filed against you in court –– even if you later pay the account in full ( more... )
Credit And Divorce
Your risk ranking and how to improve it.
During a divorce people rarely consider the impact on their credit, yet the ramifications of a failure to properly prepare can be devastating. To understand what to do, you must determine the status of each of your accounts and develop a strategy to protect your future ( more... )
