Damaged Credit

Is a lender who requested a copy of my credit report allowed to show it to me?

The credit bureaus do not allow most lenders to show you a copy of your own credit report. However, you can purchase a copy of your credit report from the credit bureaus.

How long will late payments or bankruptcy remain on my credit report?

Late payments (30 days past the due time) will appear on your credit report for 7 years and a bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for 10 years.

What is credit?

Credit is the reputation you have earned for paying your bills on time that makes it possible for you to receive loans, etc. with the understanding that you will pay for them later.

Does having children affect my credit?

Beginning or extending a family is a life change that puts demands on your credit. It is especially important to take good care of your credit when you take on the added responsibility of children. If you take good care of your credit when your children are young, you will be able to take care of them as they get older.

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.