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Card Category: All Business Charge Foreign Poor Credit Pre-Paid Regular Reward - Airline Reward - Auto Reward - Cash Reward - Finance Reward - Gas Reward - Hotel Reward - Retail Reward - Sports Reward - Travel Reward - Other All Reward Cards Secured Student Intro APR: All 0.0% 1.9% or Less 2.9% or Less 3.9% or Less 4.9% or Less 5.9% or Less 6.9% or Less 7.9% or Less 8.9% or Less 9.9% or Less Time Period: All 3 Months or More 4 Months or More 5 Months or More 6 Months or More 7 Months or More 8 Months or More 9 Months or More APR (Purch.): All Less Than 6% Less Than 7% Less Than 8% Less Than 9% Less Than 10% Less Than 11% Less Than 12% Less Than 13% Less Than 14% Less Than 15% Less Than 16% Less Than 17% Less Than 18% Less Than 19% Less Than 20% Less Than 21% Less Than 22% Less Than 23% Less Than 24% Less Than 25% Annual Fee: All $0 $10 or Less $20 or Less $30 or Less $40 or Less $50 or Less $60 or Less $70 or Less $80 or Less $90 or Less $100 or Less $110 or Less $120 or Less $130 or Less $140 or Less $150 or Less

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Repair Your Credit

Learn about credit reports, how to repair inaccuracies and where
to order your credit report.

When you apply for a personal loan, credit card, or mortgage, your lender usually orders a report that contains information about your credit file. This allows them to look at other personal information in addition to the data you've already supplied them in the credit application.

What is a Credit Report?

A credit report is simply a document that outlines your credit history. The report contains details of your last residence, employment history, payment history, whether you've declared bankruptcy, and other personal information relative to your finances.

Credit reports are made available by what's known as a "consumer reporting agencies" and the most common type is a credit bureau. By collecting important personal financial data, they make your credit history available to lenders, credit card companies, insurance companies, department stores, employers [with your consent], mortgage companies, and even landlords.

Credit bureaus make a profit by collecting and selling your personal information. They comb public records to see if you have any previous foreclosures, tax liens, or court judgments against you. They combine this information with your payment habits to form a summary of your credit history. Creditors or lenders then evaluate your report and determine if you meet the right criteria to qualify. 

When should I check it?

Your ability to get a loan or other credit rests on the accuracy of this report - so it's recommended that you get a copy of your report at least once a year to make sure your credit information is correct.

Generally, if you're thinking of buying a new home, car, or maybe applying for a new credit card, taking a peek at your credit report beforehand isn't such a bad idea. As a matter of fact, it will give you an opportunity to correct mistakes or at least lighten the amount of damage that could be done to your credit.

How do I order a credit report?

You can get a copy of your credit report from one of the three major credit bureaus listed below.

Your report will usually include the following: credit inquiries, bankruptcies, payment history, previous creditors, credit account information, personal identifying information, and any other information related to your credit history. The pricing per copy is variable, depending on the reporting agency.

If you've
1)  been denied credit because of information in your credit report
     (request within 60 days of denial)
2)  you receive public assistance
3)  you're unemployed and intend to apply for a job
4)  your report is inaccurate due to fraud
5)  you're a resident of a qualified state, or
6)  you haven't requested a copy in the previous 12 months, you may
     be entitled to a free copy of your credit profile.

Include the following with your request:

Full name (including Jr., Sr., II)
Spouse's first name (if married)
Social security number
Current and previous addresses within the last five years
Current employment information
Telephone number (home)
Date of birth
Signature
Any fees

Credit Bureaus

Contact each of the three major credit bureaus:

Equifax - www.equifax.com
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111
or write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285 and write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Hearing impaired call 1-800-255-0056 and ask the operator to call
the Auto Disclosure Line at 1-800-685-1111 to request a copy of your report.

Experian - www.experian.com
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
or write: P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013

To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
or write: P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013
TDD: 1-800-972-0322

Trans Union - www.transunion.com
To order your report, call: 800-888-4213
or write: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022

To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289 and write:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
TDD: 1-877-553-7803

There are also a number of smaller bureaus or "local affiliates" who can retrieve your credit report. They receive information from one of the major bureaus listed above.

We recommend these online agencies:

OnlineCreditInfo