A credit report will include credit accounts, public records, credit inquiries and any statements of dispute. You should check your credit history at least once a year to keep tabs on your finances and make sure no one has stolen your identity. Everyone is entitled to one free report a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. (You can get your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com.) Learn more about what your credit report says about you.
Credit Report Contains Liens, Bankruptcies And More
What can you find in your credit report? A credit report lists both good and bad credit items such as credit cards, liens and bankruptcies. Learn what bad credit items are and how to fix them on your credit report. If you don't understand something on your credit report an accountant may be able to help you.
Frequently Asked Credit Card Debt Questions
Frequently asked questions about credit cards, debt, credit history and credit score.
Identifying Predatory Mortgage Loans And Lenders
What is predatory lending?
Identity Theft: Repair Your Credit After Your Identity Has Been Stolen
If you've been the victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission has made it easier for you to repair your credit. The FTC has one form for victims of identity theft to report the crime to your creditors and credit reporting bureaus. The FTC says all three credit reporting agencies and dozens of major creditors have agreed to accept the form from victims of identity theft.
Improve Credit History With Personal Finance Tips
To improve your credit history you need to start by knowing where you stand -- order your credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus. After that, to improve your credit history you'll want to dispute any incorrect information and manage how you use credit cards. Finally, if you've been divorced make sure you're not responsible for debts of your former spouse.
Mortgage Payments On Credit Report
Does your mortgage or mortgage payments show up on your credit report? A history of on-time payments could help improve your score, but sub-prime lenders may not be reporting your score.
Frequently Asked Consumer Questions
Where can consumers find their free annual credit report? How can consumers cut telemarketer calls? What do consumers need to know about estate planning? Here is consumer advice to answer common questions.
Nine Reasons To Pay Off Your Credit Card Debt
While paying the minimum amount owed each month, on time, shouldn't damage your credit score, there are good reasons to pay off your credit card debts, not to mention your other loans like auto loans and school loans, and wipe your credit slate clean. Stop paying interest. Keep credit open in case of an emergency. Improve your credit to be able to receive the best credit card offers.
Take Charge Of Your Credit Score
Many people who are in debt end up getting suckered by credit repair scams that promise vastly improved credit scores (for a large upfront fee) but can't deliver without doing something illegal, like setting up a fake social security number. Others end up working with a credit consolidation company, but are unaware that being in a debt management program can torpedo their credit scores. There are endless reasons why someone might fall into financial difficulties, but there are only a few ways you can repair your credit history and credit score - none of which include hiring someone else to do it for you.
A Borrower’s Rights And Responsibilities
Lenders who charge excessive fees. Lenders who tell you your loan application won't be approved if you don't buy high-priced credit insurance. Lenders who tell you your credit isn't good when it is. These are some of the characteristics of predatory lenders -- bad apple lenders who prey on unsuspecting or unsophisticated borrowers.