Credit Report FAQ
What is a credit report?
A consumer credit report is a document containing a record of an individual's credit history. Creditors are permitted by law to review credit reports to objectively determine whether to grant you credit. Lenders usually report consumer credit payment information to the credit bureaus.
What kind of information is in a credit report?
A credit report contains four types of information: identifying information, credit information, public record information, and inquiries.
- Identifying Information
- name
- current and previous addresses
- Social Security number
- year of birth
- current and previous employers
- spouse's name (if married)
- Credit Information from
- Banks
- Retailers
- Credit card issuers
- Other lenders
- Public Record Information from:
- Bankruptcies
- Tax liens
- Monetary judgments
- Credit Inquiries
- Applications from new lenders for credit
- How often your credit has been "pulled"
What is credit monitoring?
Credit monitoring is the act of proactively reviewing your credit report for changes. These changes to your credit report could be indications of unauthorized activity like fraud or identity theft.
Why is it important to monitor my credit report?
Your credit report can change daily as creditors and lenders report new information about you to the credit bureaus. And with identity theft on the rise, it's recommended that you check your credit report regularly for signs of fraudulent activity. Early detection is key to minimizing the damage that mistakes and ID theft can have on your credit.
What do free credit report offers include?
This promotional offers for first-time customers usually include a free copy of your credit report with your free trial. Your free trial membership can also include daily monitoring of your credit report and email alerts of key changes to notify you of information that may indicate fraudulent activity. After your trial, your full membership can also include unlimited credit reports, giving you the information you need to understand where your credit stands.