When searching For Annual Credit Report, Free Credit Report, Credit Report Services, or other related keywords you need to be sure that you don't get ripped off and you only get the services you want - there are a lot of scams out there, you also need to know how to control your credit history, there are many things to do, but start now as having a bad credit history can be one of the most damaging things in your life.
Firstly, make sure your report is correct and up to date:There are three major credit report bureaus in the US - They: Experian (formally TRW), then Equifax, and TransUnion.
You can get your report from here but as they are the biggest they will try and sell expensive services that you may not need - so shop around.
You need to get your credit report from all three (you don't have to go direct to these sites, you can get them through any other provider, so check out a few other sites when searching in Google).
Why do you need to get all three?you ask, well you have to get all the reports to find out a correct history on your financial position - as any past lenders you've used other other institution will report your information back to only one of the big 3, so other information, especially personal information will only be on one of then - what if you've moved address in the last few years? what if your social security number is incorrect - what if someone has stolen your personal information? you need to get all three reports and go through then to correct any mistakes and update information.
Once you have done this you can start deciphering your Credit ReportTypically your credit report contains personal identifying information, a credit summary, account information, any inquiries, collections and then public records.
The three agencies collect similar information to help businesses answer a basic question: Is the loan or credit applicant a good risk? so it's' essential you pay attention to the small details - remember: This is your life!.
The report also includes previous addresses, employers, phone, your driver's license numbers and your spouse's name.
The credit summary will include the creditors name and the type of credit.
Installment info such as a mortgage or revolving creditlike a department store charge account.
It's also going to include the highest balance on each account, like how much you actually owed when the report was issued, the date the account was opened and if the account is now open or closed.
Note that there's also a list of closed accounts that contains the same information as the section on active accounts - make sure that the info in he is limited as they have have a serious impact on your chance of getting a loan.
As you can imagine your credit score is based on your payment history and any outstanding debt.
The length of time you've had credit is also included and the types of credit you now have.
Your score is reported on a scale of between 300 to 900.
The average score is about 725.
Remember how important money is and the damage that can be done - respect it! if not it will be marked down ina negative light on your credit history and future credit will be like getting blood out of a stone - not much fun at all.
Firstly, make sure your report is correct and up to date:There are three major credit report bureaus in the US - They: Experian (formally TRW), then Equifax, and TransUnion.
You can get your report from here but as they are the biggest they will try and sell expensive services that you may not need - so shop around.
You need to get your credit report from all three (you don't have to go direct to these sites, you can get them through any other provider, so check out a few other sites when searching in Google).
Why do you need to get all three?you ask, well you have to get all the reports to find out a correct history on your financial position - as any past lenders you've used other other institution will report your information back to only one of the big 3, so other information, especially personal information will only be on one of then - what if you've moved address in the last few years? what if your social security number is incorrect - what if someone has stolen your personal information? you need to get all three reports and go through then to correct any mistakes and update information.
Once you have done this you can start deciphering your Credit ReportTypically your credit report contains personal identifying information, a credit summary, account information, any inquiries, collections and then public records.
The three agencies collect similar information to help businesses answer a basic question: Is the loan or credit applicant a good risk? so it's' essential you pay attention to the small details - remember: This is your life!.
The report also includes previous addresses, employers, phone, your driver's license numbers and your spouse's name.
The credit summary will include the creditors name and the type of credit.
Installment info such as a mortgage or revolving creditlike a department store charge account.
It's also going to include the highest balance on each account, like how much you actually owed when the report was issued, the date the account was opened and if the account is now open or closed.
Note that there's also a list of closed accounts that contains the same information as the section on active accounts - make sure that the info in he is limited as they have have a serious impact on your chance of getting a loan.
As you can imagine your credit score is based on your payment history and any outstanding debt.
The length of time you've had credit is also included and the types of credit you now have.
Your score is reported on a scale of between 300 to 900.
The average score is about 725.
Remember how important money is and the damage that can be done - respect it! if not it will be marked down ina negative light on your credit history and future credit will be like getting blood out of a stone - not much fun at all.