Fixing Your Credit Report

It is recommended by most credit agencies to check your own credit report at least once a year. It is important to make sure your credit report has the correct information. When you apply for a loan or a credit card, lenders review your report and make decisions about your credit when issuing a loan on your behalf. Lender look at your report and assume that it has the right information, when in fact, there could be something on it that is incorrect. You may request a copy of your credit report from one of the following credit reporting agencies:

Equifax: (800) 685-1111, www.equifax.com

Experian (formerly TRW): (888) 397-3742, www.experian.com

Trans Union: (800) 888-4213, www.transunion.com

When an error is found on your credit report, the credit reporting agency is responsible for investigating the fault and contacting you within 30 days. If you find something incorrect at the time you are applying for a loan or credit card, notify your lender of the wrong information. Once changes have been made to your report, which can take up to 90 days, the lender will need to reorder your credit report and credit score. Make sure to keep up with your credit report so that you will not have to take the time in correcting any errors.