Business & Marketing

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.

What is the difference between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit?

While both are considered second mortgages, with a home equity loan all funds will be paid at closing. A home equity line of credit provides you with a credit line that you can borrow against where your home is used as collateral.

What is home equity?

Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you have paid towards that value.

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.

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.