Posts Tagged ‘repair credit score’
How to Check Your Credit Score and History
Have you ever wondered what your credit report looks like? Finding out what this important document contains is simple just contact one of the credit reporting agencies and request your free copy. Interpreting the credit bureau’s information is simple too.
Most companies report to one or more of the major credit bureaus. Whether you realize it or not, if you have ever had a mortgage, car loan, or credit card, then you have a credit report on file. What this means for you is that to get your credit bureau report, you may need to request a report from all 3 so that you can get a look at your credit bureau “big picture” so you can repair your credit history and score if necessary.
Getting a credit report for free is as simple as contacting the credit bureau. All you have to do is make the request online from one or all of the major credit bureaus. Otherwise, you can request your report by mail. Be prepared to provide some identifying information, to confirm that the report you are ordering is your own. There is no charge for your annual free credit report, the credit bureaus are required by law to provide you with a copy each year.
Once you get the report from the credit bureau, pay particular attention to certain sections. Look for inaccuracies in the first section. Your name, address, and other identifying information will appear in section one. Contact the credit bureau with any corrections that are necessary.
The next section shows your current open accounts and payment history. Check that the credit bureau report accurately lists your bills, the amounts of your payments and the due dates. Late or missed payments of 30 days or more will also show up in this section.
Your credit reports from different agencies will vary slightly, as merchants report to different agencies. It is possible to have an high credit score with two of the 3 major bureaus and a poor rating with the other, for example. Your credit report list any requests or inquiries by lenders that have occurred recently. Review your inquiries carefully to make sure no unauthorized persons have requested your report.
Always contact the credit bureau to correct any inaccuracies in your report so they can take steps to correct them.
By keeping your personal credit reports accurate and up to date, you will have financial and personal peace of mind.
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