At one time, you weren't allowed to see your own credit report, but now you can easily make a
free credit check. And although there are over 1,000 credit bureaus in the United States, most
are owned or controlled by just three companies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. They gather
and compile your credit files independently, but the credit reports they produce are similar.
And when you get your free credit check, there are several basic types of information presented.
Unique Identifying Information
This section of your free credit check lists your personal information, such as your name,
birth date, Social Security number, current and previous addresses, telephone number and where
you work.
Public Records Information
Information related to bankruptcies, civil judgments or tax liens is recorded in this part of
your free credit check. Since this documentation is from public records, it's the least
automated of all your credit information and therefore the most prone to be in error.
Credit Account Information
This is a record of your credit accounts as reported by the business which granted the credit.
The details in your free credit check include such things as when the account was opened, how
much was borrowed and most importantly, the payment history. Included with the payment history is
how often payments were late and whether the account is currently delinquent.
Who Has Requested Your Credit Report
Every time your credit report is requested, it's noted in this section of your free credit check.
The record of a request can stay in your report for up to one year or for two years if the
request was from an employer. Note that inquiries from credit card companies who send out
unsolicited credit card offers will show up in your copy of your credit report. But these
types of credit inquiries won't show up in the copy of your report sent to creditors.
Consumer Statement(optional addition)
If there is any disputed information shown in your free credit check that isn't resolved to
your satisfaction, you can provide an explanation statement. You're allowed up to 100
words to fill in details about any negative items.
What is Not Included in Your Free Credit Check
Credit accounts generally not included are those with credit unions, hospitals, local stores
and oil company credit cards. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act also prevents your gender,
race, religion or national origin from being included in your credit report.
To get your free credit check and free 30 days of credit monitoring, please go to
free instant credit reports.
