Instant Response Cards

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.

How much will it cost me to obtain a copy of my credit report?

The cost of your credit report will vary upon which bureau you request it from and which state you live in.

Why is credit important?

If you are looking for a loan, credit card, or low interest rates, having good credit will increase your chances of getting one of these. If you have credit problems, it may be hard to acquire a loan when you need it the most.

Are there laws that protect me from not getting the credit I deserve?

Credit can not be denied to you because of race, sex, color, religion, marital status, national origin, age (if you are over 18) or because you receive income from a public assistance program. Whether or not you can receive credit is judged solely on your past credit history, or in some cases, the history of your spouse or former spouse. You can find these rights outlined in the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

Does the death of a spouse affect my credit?

If you and your spouse share a checking or savings account, by law a creditor cannot automatically close the account or change the terms because of the death of your spouse. You may, more than likely, be asked to update your application or reapply in your own name. The creditor will then decide whether to continue your credit or change your credit limits.