Top Credit Report Recommendations
1
Free Credit Profile Free credit report, credit score and debt analysis. Read Review
2
Consumer Info Free Credit Report Free online credit report with 30-day trial. Read Review
3
Online Credit Info Free Credit Report Free personal credit report with 30-day trial membership. Read Review
4
ReliaCredit 3 in 1 Credit Report Instant 3-in-1 credit report online. Read Review
GLOSSARY TERMS
# - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

How Credit Bureaus Work

Credit bureau companies gather information about consumer credit histories, including personal information such as identity, payment habits, and public records. These credit reports are then sold to creditors (banks, finance companies, retailers, etc.) who use the credit reports to determine the creditworthiness of a potential customer.


Consumer information regarding identity, credit, and other financial data is gathered from creditors (banks, retailers, collection agencies, etc.) Public record information is retrieved directly from the court systems.

There are three major credit bureaus in the United States:

Equifax: (800) 685-1111

Experian (formerly TRW): (888)EXPERIAN (397-3742)

Trans Union: (800) 916-8800


Related Article: Personal Credit Report - A Financial History >>
The Learning Center
Credit
Fair Credit Reporting Act Equal Credit Opportunity Act Fair Credit Billing Act and Electronic Fund Transfer Act What is Credit? How Credit Bureaus Work Personal Credit Report - A Financial History What is a Credit Score? Keeping an Eye on your Personal Credit History How Do I Clean Up My Credit Report? Choosing the Best Credit Repair Services TransUnion - Credit reporting agency Experian - A Leading Credit Bureau Equifax - Personal Credit Solutions
Debt
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Selecting a Debt Management Program or Debt Counseling Service Finding the Right Debt Consolidation Agency
Personal Finance
Consumer Protection Laws - Credit and Debt Steering Clear of Credit Repair and Debt Management Scams Do I Have a Debt Problem? Get Me Out of Debt! Debt Free Living - A few simple suggestions Identity Theft Prevention - Protecting yourself What If I Become an Identity Theft Victim?