FREE CREDIT REPORT - CREDIT SCORE

Frequently Asked Questions
Credit Reports, Credit Scores, Credit Monitoring and more...

What does my credit report and credit score mean to me?

Your credit report contains a record of your credit history including personal information about you such as how many open loans you have and the timeliness of your payments. In most cases, your credit score determines whether or not you will be approved for a loan and what your interest rate will be. It is highly recommend that you check your credit reports at least once a year or before making any major purchase. This will help to insure that your credit is being reported accurately and that no fraudulent transactions are taking place.

How many credit bureaus are there?

There are three (3) major credit bureaus; Equifax, Trans Union and Experian. Each of these individual companies keep a separate record of your personal credit history. Most lenders and credit grantors will report to one or more of the bureaus so your credit information will most likely vary depending on which bureaus credit report you check.

What are the best ways to achieve a better credit score?

The best way to maintain a good credit score is to make sure that all of your loan payments are made on time. If you have made late payments in the past, you can still improve your credit score by making sure that all future payments are made on time. The older the late payments are, the less important they become. You can also improve your credit score by disputing the late payment(s) with the credit bureau. If they do not have proof of the late payment, they are required to remove the negative mark.

How long does negative information stay on my credit reports?

The length of time negative information can stay on your credit report starts from the time you were first late on a payment or the date the account went into collection. Most credit information stays on your credit report for up to seven (7) years, regardless if it is negative or positive. An exception to this is bankruptcy information, which can be reported for up to 10 years. This said, the credit grantor or credit bureaus have the right to remove negative information at any time.

Does checking my own credit impact my credit score?

No, checking your own credit report does not effect your credit score negatively. In fact, it is always a good idea to check your credit reports at least once a year or before making any large purchase to insure that your reports contain no errors or false information that could result in a higher interest rate or even denial of credit.

Does having my credit checked by a credit grantor impact my score?

There is an inquiry list kept for every time a creditor checks your credit. Most inquiries are kept on your credit report for approximately two (2) years. When a creditor checks your credit they may take into consideration how many inquiries you have had recently. Numerous inquiries made in a short period of time may reflect financial difficulties and the lender may be hesitant to provide credit to you.

Is there anything different about a free report compared to one I would pay for?

There is no difference between the information provided on a free credit report and the information on one you would pay for. Most companies offering a free credit report also offer a no obligation, free credit monitoring trial or some other type of credit related service.

What is credit monitoring?

Typically, a credit monitoring service will notify you if anything unusual or suspicious appears on your credit report. We have found credit monitoring services to be a great way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. The sooner you can detect something is amiss with your credit, the faster you can stop any serious damage from occurring.

Can I get a free credit report without a credit card?

A credit card is usually required for the purpose of identity verification.

Where can I get my FREE Online Credit Report?

You can obtain a free copy of your credit report online in a matter of minutes by clicking here.