What is a credit report? PDF
A credit report, or credit file, is maintained by three seperate credit bureaus. Each of these credit bureaus maintain information about you and your credit history. This information is gathered on an ongoing basis from many sources. These sources are typically lenders of some form that have extended you some form of credit.

Lenders, employers, landlords, and other service providers use the information contained within your credit reportto help them decide whether to approve your application for a loan, credit card, job, or housing, or to offer you a product or service at a particular rate.

Your credit report changes constantly and therefore it's imporant to continously monitor it. You should check your credit report frequently for mistakes.

You should be aware of the information contained within your credit report as many lenders, employers, and even landlords look use credit to help determine whether or not to approve your application. The following information is included in your credit report:

  • Personal Information - Your name, current address, social security number, birth date and employment history are some personal information items that credit bureaus include in your credit file.
  • Credit History - The bulk of your credit file contains your credit history. Account details such as your credit limit, payment history, balance, available balance, etc are stored in your credit file.
  • Inquiries - The credit bureaus also maintain a list of organizations that have inquired, or requested, yoru credit file. These inquiries remain on your credit file for up to 2 years.
  • Public Records - Public record matters may also be included on your credit file, including liens, bankruptcies, and overdue child support.
 
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