Thanks to the Internet you can get easy access to free online credit reports. But many
people have never seen a credit report before and may find all the information a lot to handle.
And although the information may have a different title or arrangement, the data included in
free online credit reports is, for the most part, the same.
The information in free online credit reports, like most credit information in the
United States, is maintained by three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's
important to note that each bureau maintains separate sources of information and there can be
reporting variations and errors for each report. So that's why experts recommend you get a
copy of all three reports to catch any error or omission that might show up on one
report but not another.
The three credit bureaus format your credit report slightly differently but the types of
information in free online credit reports are the same:
Personal information
Your unique information such as your name, address, telephone number, Social Security number,
date of birth and your employer are in this section. Sometimes your previous residences or
employers are also listed.
Credit history
This part of the credit report has the record of your credit accounts reported for the last
seven years. Each account listing shows when it was opened, how much the original debt was
and what the current balance is. Any problems like late payments or delinquencies are also noted.
Public records
This section of free online credit reports records the information from public documents related
to your credit such as judgments, tax liens and bankruptcies.
Credit report requests
Anytime someone gets a copy of your credit report it's noted in your report. This listing will
show the names and addresses of those who requested your report within the last year or last
two years if it was an employer.
Optional consumer statement
If you dispute some information in your report and it isn't corrected to your satisfaction, you
have the right to make your position known. The law allows you up to 100 words to explain
your view of the disputed item.
With one minor exception your free online credit reports are the same as what a creditor
sees. The only difference is that a creditor's copy won't show the credit report requests made
for pre-approved credit offers or existing accounts who simply review your credit.
To get free online credit reports and free 30 days of credit monitoring, please go to
free instant credit reports.
