Credit Basics
Can anyone get a copy of my credit report?
No, some individuals and businesses are allowed, for business reasons, to obtain credit reports on people other than themselves, but there are strict laws and penalties in place to ensure that this privilege is not abused.
What is a credit score?
A lender figures your credit score (FICO score) by taking your credit history and measuring it against a database of habits in the general borrowing population. That, in turn, determines whether your tendencies match those of borrowers who default on debt, declare bankruptcy or find themselves in various types of financial difficulties.
What are the three Credit Bureaus and how do they affect my credit?
In the United States, Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union are the three major credit bureaus that provide nationwide coverage of consumer credit information. Many national lenders report consumer credit information to all three. However, smaller banks, most credit unions and other credit grantors may report to only one, or none. Therefore, the information you receive from one credit bureau may not be the same as what you would receive from another credit bureau.
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