Like it or not, the fact is credit reporting agencies gather information about us and sell it to banks, credit card vendors, finance companies, credit unions, insurance companies, employers and others. These companies use the information
to verify and supplement the data provided by consumers in an application for a credit card,
loan, insurance, housing, and employment.

Whether or not the applicant is approved, to
a large degree, depends on what is contained
in the credit report. To know where you stand,
you will need to review your credit report.

What is typically referred to as a "credit report"
is more accurately termed "consumer report" by
the Federal government. This is because "credit"
is only one aspect of the report. Your consumer report contains personal data, employment history, detailed account information including
a monthly transaction history, information that
is reported by landlords, utility and insurance companies, doctors, hospitals and others.

Public records are also included on your record,
for example, bankruptcy filings, lawsuits, court judgements, foreclosures, judgement liens, tax liens, mechanics liens, and criminal arrest and convictions. Inquiries by creditors and others are also listed on one's consumer credit report.

By law, all consumers are entitled to receive a
free credit report online annually by each of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. We suggest that you also check your credit score at the same time

Click for resources to obtain your free credit
report online and for other financial services.