March 28, 2011
What Are the Three Major Credit Bureaus?
Nataliya Yakushev asked:
The best way to manage your credit responsibly and take charge of your financial situation is to be informed. This takes a little time and effort on your part, but since your credit scores are so important to managing your finances and saving money, it’s your responsibility to know as much as you can about the credit bureaus that formulate credit ratings. To help you get a running start on that mission, here’s some information on TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, the main credit bureaus in the U.S.:
TransUnion
TransUnion has offices across the country that deal with different aspects of credit: credit management, identity theft, and other credit problems; and types of credit clients, such as personal, business, and press inquiries. If you find errors on your TransUnion credit report, you can call them at 800.916.8800 or visit their website to dispute them. If you think that you’re a victim of identity theft, call them at 800.680.7289 as soon as possible.
Experian
Like other credit bureaus, Experian offers a wide range of different services for people, businesses, and the media. Experian is based in Costa Mesa, CA, and has a website, but if you find errors on your report or need to report a possible identity theft, this credit bureau makes it hard to find phone numbers on the site. Instead, they encourage visitors to use online forms for disputes, identity theft reports, and other issues.
Equifax
Based in Atlanta, GA, Equifax also has different departments to assist people with different types of questions and concerns. Their website is also set up to have people use online forms to address errors, report identity theft, and handle other concerns. However, if someone thinks that his or her identity has been stolen, he or she can call 888.397.3742 to report it to Equifax. If someone spots an error on his or her Equifax credit report, that person must use the contact number on the report to dispute it. There is no number on the site to report errors.
These are the three credit bureaus in the country, and they each take a different approach to allowing people to contact them to ask questions or address any issues they may be experiencing. Instead of contacting the credit bureaus directly, many people prefer to use a credit monitoring service to help them manage their credit and stay on top of their finances. The credit bureaus all have similar programs, but most folks prefer to use an independent company to help them with these matters. That way, they get an impartial view of their credit score and many more tools to proactively manage and improve their credit ratings!
Karl
The best way to manage your credit responsibly and take charge of your financial situation is to be informed. This takes a little time and effort on your part, but since your credit scores are so important to managing your finances and saving money, it’s your responsibility to know as much as you can about the credit bureaus that formulate credit ratings. To help you get a running start on that mission, here’s some information on TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, the main credit bureaus in the U.S.:
TransUnion
TransUnion has offices across the country that deal with different aspects of credit: credit management, identity theft, and other credit problems; and types of credit clients, such as personal, business, and press inquiries. If you find errors on your TransUnion credit report, you can call them at 800.916.8800 or visit their website to dispute them. If you think that you’re a victim of identity theft, call them at 800.680.7289 as soon as possible.
Experian
Like other credit bureaus, Experian offers a wide range of different services for people, businesses, and the media. Experian is based in Costa Mesa, CA, and has a website, but if you find errors on your report or need to report a possible identity theft, this credit bureau makes it hard to find phone numbers on the site. Instead, they encourage visitors to use online forms for disputes, identity theft reports, and other issues.
Equifax
Based in Atlanta, GA, Equifax also has different departments to assist people with different types of questions and concerns. Their website is also set up to have people use online forms to address errors, report identity theft, and handle other concerns. However, if someone thinks that his or her identity has been stolen, he or she can call 888.397.3742 to report it to Equifax. If someone spots an error on his or her Equifax credit report, that person must use the contact number on the report to dispute it. There is no number on the site to report errors.
These are the three credit bureaus in the country, and they each take a different approach to allowing people to contact them to ask questions or address any issues they may be experiencing. Instead of contacting the credit bureaus directly, many people prefer to use a credit monitoring service to help them manage their credit and stay on top of their finances. The credit bureaus all have similar programs, but most folks prefer to use an independent company to help them with these matters. That way, they get an impartial view of their credit score and many more tools to proactively manage and improve their credit ratings!
Karl
February 9, 2011
Credit Restoration Step 1 of 5 – Knowing Your Credit Reports
Matt Triplett asked:
You can’t fix a problem until you know what it is right. A majority of all Americans have never ordered their own report and half of those have never seen their own report. The scary part about that is according to studies 79% of all credit reports have errors and 25% of those errors are severe enough to deny you credit. So even though you pay all your bills on time every time, there still could be something on your report that isn’t even yours. Even if you have never been denied credit, these errors could be causing you a higher interest rate.
There are 3 major credit reporting agencies in the United States.
Experian Equifax Trans Union
Creditors submit your payment history to 1, 2, or all 3 bureaus each month. So depending on which creditors are reporting to which bureau, you should have 3 different scores. You can usually get a 3-in-1 credit report that shows all 3 bureaus along with an average score from all 3.
There are several ways to get a copy of your credit report. Order each one directly from the bureaus websites. If you have been denied credit recently you are entitled to a free credit report, that you can order from the bureau directly. If you have applied for credit recently from a local creditor, they can give you a copy if they have ordered it. Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com This is a government run website that will give you a free report from each credit bureau each year. Order a 30-day free trial of credit monitoring and get a free copy of your reports with it. Just make sure you cancel with in 30 days or you will be charged for the monitoring.
Some reports are harder to read than others. Usually a 3-in-1 credit report from a monitoring service is more user friendly and better laid out. Now you need to review all the information on your report and make sure it is accurate. This includes all the personal information, inquiries, accounts, former names, former addresses, employment, and so on. Having an accurate report is the best way to assure you a fair judgment on your payment histories.
William
You can’t fix a problem until you know what it is right. A majority of all Americans have never ordered their own report and half of those have never seen their own report. The scary part about that is according to studies 79% of all credit reports have errors and 25% of those errors are severe enough to deny you credit. So even though you pay all your bills on time every time, there still could be something on your report that isn’t even yours. Even if you have never been denied credit, these errors could be causing you a higher interest rate.
There are 3 major credit reporting agencies in the United States.
Experian Equifax Trans Union
Creditors submit your payment history to 1, 2, or all 3 bureaus each month. So depending on which creditors are reporting to which bureau, you should have 3 different scores. You can usually get a 3-in-1 credit report that shows all 3 bureaus along with an average score from all 3.
There are several ways to get a copy of your credit report. Order each one directly from the bureaus websites. If you have been denied credit recently you are entitled to a free credit report, that you can order from the bureau directly. If you have applied for credit recently from a local creditor, they can give you a copy if they have ordered it. Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com This is a government run website that will give you a free report from each credit bureau each year. Order a 30-day free trial of credit monitoring and get a free copy of your reports with it. Just make sure you cancel with in 30 days or you will be charged for the monitoring.
Some reports are harder to read than others. Usually a 3-in-1 credit report from a monitoring service is more user friendly and better laid out. Now you need to review all the information on your report and make sure it is accurate. This includes all the personal information, inquiries, accounts, former names, former addresses, employment, and so on. Having an accurate report is the best way to assure you a fair judgment on your payment histories.
William
January 13, 2011
Sample Dispute Letter For the Credit Bureaus – Equifax, Transunion and Experian
Tony Banks asked:
Writing a letter to the credit bureaus is the first and most important step to repairing your credit. When writing to the credit bureaus you will have to write a letter to each bureau per negative and/or incorrect item.
An example of a situation in which you would have to write a credit repair letter to the credit bureau(s) is if you are analyzing your credit report and you see accounts that are closed, negative, and more than seven years old. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, accounts that are older than seven years must be deleted from your account.
Remember when you write a letter to the credit bureau you want it to be yours. Copy and pasting a letter from another website is not recommended! A sample of a good credit repair letter looks like this:
Equifax Consumer Services
To Whom it may Concern,
Good Afternoon my Name is First Last. My address is 9999 Address street, City, State. My SSN 999-99-9999 and my birth date is January 01, 1900.
I have critically analyzed a copy of my credit report and I noticed that there are two accounts on my report have been closed for seven years. As you and I both know the Fair Credit Reporting Act states that accounts more than seven years old are to be deleted from my credit report.
Listed below are the details of the accounts that I mentioned above:
Bank of America MasterCard:
Account Number: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-1745
HSBC VISA
Account Number XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-5690
In order to expedite this process I included a copy of my driver’s license and social security card in case you all need proof of identity. I would also appreciate it if you would send me a copy of my updated credit report once the correction as been made.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
First Last
When sending your letter to the credit bureaus you want to include a copy of your driver’s license with your letter. Please do not forget to send your letter registered mail. By doing this you allow your letter to be tracked. That way you have proof when it was received by the credit bureaus.
Jessie
Writing a letter to the credit bureaus is the first and most important step to repairing your credit. When writing to the credit bureaus you will have to write a letter to each bureau per negative and/or incorrect item.
An example of a situation in which you would have to write a credit repair letter to the credit bureau(s) is if you are analyzing your credit report and you see accounts that are closed, negative, and more than seven years old. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, accounts that are older than seven years must be deleted from your account.
Remember when you write a letter to the credit bureau you want it to be yours. Copy and pasting a letter from another website is not recommended! A sample of a good credit repair letter looks like this:
Equifax Consumer Services
To Whom it may Concern,
Good Afternoon my Name is First Last. My address is 9999 Address street, City, State. My SSN 999-99-9999 and my birth date is January 01, 1900.
I have critically analyzed a copy of my credit report and I noticed that there are two accounts on my report have been closed for seven years. As you and I both know the Fair Credit Reporting Act states that accounts more than seven years old are to be deleted from my credit report.
Listed below are the details of the accounts that I mentioned above:
Bank of America MasterCard:
Account Number: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-1745
HSBC VISA
Account Number XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-5690
In order to expedite this process I included a copy of my driver’s license and social security card in case you all need proof of identity. I would also appreciate it if you would send me a copy of my updated credit report once the correction as been made.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
First Last
When sending your letter to the credit bureaus you want to include a copy of your driver’s license with your letter. Please do not forget to send your letter registered mail. By doing this you allow your letter to be tracked. That way you have proof when it was received by the credit bureaus.
Jessie
December 14, 2010
Which Credit Score Do Lenders Use to Qualify Me For a Loan?
Tony Banks asked:
You have a credit score with the three main bureaus, Equifax, Transunion and Experian. Each bureau has come up with their own version of the credit scoring formula which is unknown to the public.
This creates a situation where your three scores are highly unlikely to be the same. The credit score that a lender looks at when qualifying you for a loan really depends on the type of lender. Most consumer credit, car and personal loan lenders use only one score to determine if you will get approved and to determine your interest rate and terms. The geographical location of the lender sometimes determines which bureau they will turn to for that score due to business relationships.
The relationship between a lender and a credit bureau is just like any business relationship. The lender will pay to have access to each credit report and score from the chosen credit bureaus.
On the other hand when you are dealing with mortgage loans, the lender will look at each of your three credit scores. (Equifax, Transunion & Experian) They will base their approval on your middle score. For example your Equifax score was 654, your Transunion 669 and your Experian was 704.
Your mortgage interest rate and loan terms would be based on your Transunion score of 669 because it’s the middle one in terms of the value of the number. It is a good idea to check your credit reports with each of the credit bureaus before you apply for a loan. This way you can make sure there are no errors that will negatively impact your credit scores.
Cynthia
You have a credit score with the three main bureaus, Equifax, Transunion and Experian. Each bureau has come up with their own version of the credit scoring formula which is unknown to the public.
This creates a situation where your three scores are highly unlikely to be the same. The credit score that a lender looks at when qualifying you for a loan really depends on the type of lender. Most consumer credit, car and personal loan lenders use only one score to determine if you will get approved and to determine your interest rate and terms. The geographical location of the lender sometimes determines which bureau they will turn to for that score due to business relationships.
The relationship between a lender and a credit bureau is just like any business relationship. The lender will pay to have access to each credit report and score from the chosen credit bureaus.
On the other hand when you are dealing with mortgage loans, the lender will look at each of your three credit scores. (Equifax, Transunion & Experian) They will base their approval on your middle score. For example your Equifax score was 654, your Transunion 669 and your Experian was 704.
Your mortgage interest rate and loan terms would be based on your Transunion score of 669 because it’s the middle one in terms of the value of the number. It is a good idea to check your credit reports with each of the credit bureaus before you apply for a loan. This way you can make sure there are no errors that will negatively impact your credit scores.
Cynthia
July 31, 2010
How to Wipe Out Bad Credit and Rebuild Your Credit Report
Conleth Onu asked:
Most people who have bad credit think there is nothing they can do about it. They mistakenly believe that they have to live with their bad credit for a long time.
You don’t have to live with bad credit or pay hefty fees to have your credit repaired. You can remove bad entries in your report and rebuild your credit profile. You don’t need to spend a fortune to accomplish this. Armed with the right information you will be on your way to rebuilding your credit record.
Credit bureaus are required to delete items that are not 100% accurate or cannot be verified within a reasonable period of time. Also, outdated information must be deleted.
The first step in repairing your credit is to get a copy of your credit report. You need to know what the credit bureaus are saying about you. By law, you can get a copy of your credit report, for a fee. However, if you have been denied credit within the past 60 days, then you can get a credit report at no charge from the credit bureau.
When you receive your report, examine it carefully. Damaging information may appear in your report wihtout your knowledge. Make sure all information is current and accurate. Identify any incorrect or inaccurate information that has been entered into your report. Pay close attention to all the accounts listed on your report. Mistakes happen all the time. Make sure you do not overlook any errors.
You can have damaging information deleted from your credit report. You have the right to dispute incorrect or misleading information on your report.
To do this, complete the dispute form that you received with your credit report and return it to the credit bureau. Be sure to send your dispute letter certified mail, return receipt requested. This will provide you with a paper trail and help you remember when to follow up.
If you dispute an item, it must be reinvestigated and deleted if in the event the item is found to be false or unable to be verified. By law, if the credit bureau does not respond within the alloted time, then the disputed item must be deleted from the report.
Another way to smash negative credit remarks on your credit report is to take advantage of the “100-word consumer statement” which allows you to file a brief statement detailing your side of the story and submit this to the credit bureau, for inclusion in your report.
Once your credit report is updated, you should request that the credit bureau send updated copy of your report to any businesses that checked your credit within the past six months (or two years if it involves employment).
Now that you’ve removed the negative entries, it’s time to rebuild a good credit report.
One way to add positive information to your report is by taking out a small loan backed by funds in your savings account. When you pay off the loan, your security deposit will be released to you.
You can also build credit by having someone with good credit cosign on a loan for you. This strategy can speed up the process of rebuilding your credit.
Having a secured credit card can help you build or rebuild your credit. To obtain a secured card, you are required to deposit money in a savings account to guarantee the charges. The deposit is frozen and left untouched until it is obvious that you have defaulted. So make sure all your payments reach the company before the due date. Always stay within your credit limit.
If you ever wanted to wipe out your bad credit and rebuild your credit report, now you can. A good credit record can make your life easier and more enjoyable. Take action now.
Francisco
Most people who have bad credit think there is nothing they can do about it. They mistakenly believe that they have to live with their bad credit for a long time.
You don’t have to live with bad credit or pay hefty fees to have your credit repaired. You can remove bad entries in your report and rebuild your credit profile. You don’t need to spend a fortune to accomplish this. Armed with the right information you will be on your way to rebuilding your credit record.
Credit bureaus are required to delete items that are not 100% accurate or cannot be verified within a reasonable period of time. Also, outdated information must be deleted.
The first step in repairing your credit is to get a copy of your credit report. You need to know what the credit bureaus are saying about you. By law, you can get a copy of your credit report, for a fee. However, if you have been denied credit within the past 60 days, then you can get a credit report at no charge from the credit bureau.
When you receive your report, examine it carefully. Damaging information may appear in your report wihtout your knowledge. Make sure all information is current and accurate. Identify any incorrect or inaccurate information that has been entered into your report. Pay close attention to all the accounts listed on your report. Mistakes happen all the time. Make sure you do not overlook any errors.
You can have damaging information deleted from your credit report. You have the right to dispute incorrect or misleading information on your report.
To do this, complete the dispute form that you received with your credit report and return it to the credit bureau. Be sure to send your dispute letter certified mail, return receipt requested. This will provide you with a paper trail and help you remember when to follow up.
If you dispute an item, it must be reinvestigated and deleted if in the event the item is found to be false or unable to be verified. By law, if the credit bureau does not respond within the alloted time, then the disputed item must be deleted from the report.
Another way to smash negative credit remarks on your credit report is to take advantage of the “100-word consumer statement” which allows you to file a brief statement detailing your side of the story and submit this to the credit bureau, for inclusion in your report.
Once your credit report is updated, you should request that the credit bureau send updated copy of your report to any businesses that checked your credit within the past six months (or two years if it involves employment).
Now that you’ve removed the negative entries, it’s time to rebuild a good credit report.
One way to add positive information to your report is by taking out a small loan backed by funds in your savings account. When you pay off the loan, your security deposit will be released to you.
You can also build credit by having someone with good credit cosign on a loan for you. This strategy can speed up the process of rebuilding your credit.
Having a secured credit card can help you build or rebuild your credit. To obtain a secured card, you are required to deposit money in a savings account to guarantee the charges. The deposit is frozen and left untouched until it is obvious that you have defaulted. So make sure all your payments reach the company before the due date. Always stay within your credit limit.
If you ever wanted to wipe out your bad credit and rebuild your credit report, now you can. A good credit record can make your life easier and more enjoyable. Take action now.
Francisco
July 12, 2010
Rebuild Your Credit With A Prepaid Credit Card
Joseph Kenny asked:
It can be pretty tough when your credit is bad and it is next to impossible to get credit when you need it. Most major credit card companies will not talk to you, and a lender – well, forget about it. There is a way, though, out of the tough situation with a prepaid credit card. Here is what you can do with a prepaid credit card to help rebuild your credit score.
Need A Bad Credit Rating
One of the best things about a prepaid credit card is that it was designed for people with bad credit. In fact, that is one of the qualifications. There will not be any check on your credit rating, or your employment. Anyone can get one of these credit cards, but you will need to deposit a cash amount equal to the credit limit you want. This lets you know that it operates on a debit basis – no actual credit is given.
Get A Card That Reports To A Credit Bureau
Not many prepaid credit cards actually report to a credit bureau. That is, however, the kind of card that you want to get. While others make having cash handy, it really will not help you (or anyone with bad credit) in the long run.
Watch The Fees
Prepaid credit cards often come with a number of fees. You should compare one card with another in order to get the fewest fees. In order to get a prepaid credit card that reports to a credit bureau, you will probably have to pay an annual fee – could be as high as $100.
Look For Benefits
Most prepaid cards do not come with any benefits, but some do. You can get points, like on a regular credit card, that are useable for a few benefits – like free phone time, and more.
No Credit Card Abuse
Another good thing about these credit cards is that you can never go over your limit, or have to pay any late fees or interest. (Hey, this is sounding better all the time). This means that if it reports to a credit bureau, that it would be impossible to get a lower score than what you may already have with this kind of card.
Easily Put Cash On Your Card
Most prepaid cards will allow you to easily put credit on it from just about anywhere. You can even put your paycheck onto it by Direct Deposit.
Use It Like A Credit Card
A number of these prepaid credit cards can be used in the same way as a credit card. You can set up automatic bill payments, purchase things online, or over the phone. If you want this feature, however, be sure that the ad says that you can do this.
Like any other credit card, you will want to compare features and fees in order to find the best prepaid credit card for your needs. While most of them are similar, the fees vary widely. Since no qualifications are needed, why not get the best?
Vanessa
It can be pretty tough when your credit is bad and it is next to impossible to get credit when you need it. Most major credit card companies will not talk to you, and a lender – well, forget about it. There is a way, though, out of the tough situation with a prepaid credit card. Here is what you can do with a prepaid credit card to help rebuild your credit score.
Need A Bad Credit Rating
One of the best things about a prepaid credit card is that it was designed for people with bad credit. In fact, that is one of the qualifications. There will not be any check on your credit rating, or your employment. Anyone can get one of these credit cards, but you will need to deposit a cash amount equal to the credit limit you want. This lets you know that it operates on a debit basis – no actual credit is given.
Get A Card That Reports To A Credit Bureau
Not many prepaid credit cards actually report to a credit bureau. That is, however, the kind of card that you want to get. While others make having cash handy, it really will not help you (or anyone with bad credit) in the long run.
Watch The Fees
Prepaid credit cards often come with a number of fees. You should compare one card with another in order to get the fewest fees. In order to get a prepaid credit card that reports to a credit bureau, you will probably have to pay an annual fee – could be as high as $100.
Look For Benefits
Most prepaid cards do not come with any benefits, but some do. You can get points, like on a regular credit card, that are useable for a few benefits – like free phone time, and more.
No Credit Card Abuse
Another good thing about these credit cards is that you can never go over your limit, or have to pay any late fees or interest. (Hey, this is sounding better all the time). This means that if it reports to a credit bureau, that it would be impossible to get a lower score than what you may already have with this kind of card.
Easily Put Cash On Your Card
Most prepaid cards will allow you to easily put credit on it from just about anywhere. You can even put your paycheck onto it by Direct Deposit.
Use It Like A Credit Card
A number of these prepaid credit cards can be used in the same way as a credit card. You can set up automatic bill payments, purchase things online, or over the phone. If you want this feature, however, be sure that the ad says that you can do this.
Like any other credit card, you will want to compare features and fees in order to find the best prepaid credit card for your needs. While most of them are similar, the fees vary widely. Since no qualifications are needed, why not get the best?
Vanessa