Your Credit Report

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Credit companies keep a close watch on your credit score, updating it regularly. There are three primary credit reporting agencies—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. While they each have slightly different ways of tracking and scoring your credit, in general, they are about the same.

You can request a copy of your credit report once a year for free. It is important to monitor your credit report to make sure the information is accurate. You can request a copy at http://www.freecreditreport.com.

Disputing Incorrect Information

If you find any information that you think is wrong:

  • Contact the company that has reported the incorrect information to the agency using the contact information on the credit report. Call them but also write them a letter and send it by certified mail so that you have a paper record. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself as well.
  • Make sure you give them all relevant information, including your name, account number, and an explanation of the information you are disputing. Include copies (not originals) of any documents you have that can help to prove your claim.
  • The receipts, records, and copies of everything that you send. If the company does not respond to your call or letter, contact the credit reporting agency directly in writing. Provide them with copies of all the correspondence you sent to the creditor, as well as your date of birth and social security number. NOTE: You can also file a claim online. Go to www.experian.com, www.equifax.com, or www.transunion.com.

Credit agencies are not required to change the report, but they will investigate a dispute; if they decide to correct it they will notify you, usually within 30 to 45 days. Get another copy of your credit report afterwards to make sure that the error has been fixed.

You can read more about correcting errors on your credit report at www.ftc.gov/credit.