Did you know that
you have three credit reports, and these credit reports are not
necessarily the same? Your credit reports can contain different
information because lenders and creditors may report your accounts
to one or two of the three national credit bureaus who report data
independently. By checking all three of your credit reports, you
can make sure you are maintaining a healthy credit profile. And a
healthy, active credit profile can be
the key to obtaining low loan rates. This is because lenders use
credit reports to see how consumers have utilized their credit in
the past.
If you have been responsible with your accounts and have been able
to pay your debts on time, then chances are you are doing well with
your credit.
However, sometimes credit reports contain inaccurate data that can
hurt your credit score. Also, checking your credit report can key
you in to potential instances of fraud and identity theft.
Here are the various parts of your credit report, and what
you will find in each section:
1. Consumer information: This section of your credit report includes
your name, birth date, address and employer.
2. Consumer statement: This is a short message you have asked to
be placed on your credit report; this could be a fraud alert or an
explanation for a
late payments that occurred during a period
of time.
3. Accounts histories: Detailed information about real estate, installment,
revolving credit or collection accounts; each record included the
date the
account was opened, high balance, terms and
your 7-year payment history. This is a very important section of
your credit report.
4. Public records: This section of your credit report may include
records of bankruptcy, tax liens or judgment filings.
5. Inquiries: Each credit report contains a list of companies who
have accessed your credit history for the purpose of an application
in the last
two years.
6. Creditor contacts: The final section of your credit report contains
mailing addresses and phone numbers of your creditors. This is handy
if you need
to contact a creditor.
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