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.
Protecting Your Credit
Your credit history is the single most important piece of information a lender will assess. And with identity theft on the rise, your credit history could be in danger. All someone needs to steal your identity is access to your social security number - which is everywhere. Here are some ways in which you keep your financial identity safe.
How To Protect Your Identity
The key to your personal identity is your social security number. A unique number is issued to each U.S. citizen at birth, and typically this is the number used on bank account applications, on insurance forms and even your driver's license.
Mortgage Lenders May Charge Extra Fees
When you're applying for a mortgage loan you need to look out for extra fees that mortgage lenders may charge. Some of these extra fees, such as extra money toward credit reports or appraisals, are illegal under RESPA, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Learn more about what mortgage fees to watch out for here.
Debt Management Program Can Help Avoid Bankruptcy
Do you feel like your debt is overwhelming or out of control? It may be worthwhile to enroll in a debt management program rather than filing for bankruptcy. While both a debt management program and bankruptcy look bad on your credit report, a bankruptcy makes for worse credit. Learn what to look for when choosing a debt management program.
Fraud Alert Could Help Protect Credit
Having a fraud alert on your credit history can make it difficult to gain access to your credit history and credit score. Someone who steals your identity would not be able to open up new credit cards, buy a car or get a mortgage, because the lender would see the fraud alert at the bottom of your credit file. However, a fraud alert wouldn't stop a thief from using one of your existing credit cards to run up your bill.
What Makes A Credit Score And How To Raise Yours
Consumers now have easy access to their credit reports and credit scores. However, now that they can access all the information, it's up to the consumer to understand what makes up their credit score, and to know how to improve the credit score. Paying on time, the length of your credit history, and how much debt you carry will help creditors determine whether they should give you more credit or not.
Credit Score Reporting Options
Under a law passed by the California legislature, all consumers must be given access to their credit scores by July 1, 2001. The other two credit reporting bureaus, Experian and Trans-Union, have said they will make available to consumers their own credit scores, which are not based on the FICO formula created by Fair, Isaac. Giving consumers access to their credit score, a number that lenders frequently said was "too complicated" for consumers to understand, represents a major breakthrough.
Pay Off Mortgage Early With Extra Payments
If you prepay your regular monthly mortgage payment it may be applied incorrectly to your mortgage loan. Mortgage companies usually see prepayments as extra money to go toward the principal of the mortgage loan. When the mortgage company does not then receive your mortgage payment at the designated due date they may think you're delinquent in making your mortgage payment. How can you avoid this? You can have the mortgage payment deducted automatically from your account to avoid mix ups.
When To Use A Non-Profit Credit Repair Service
Non-profit credit repair or budgeting services should only be used if you are on the verge on bankruptcy. Using a credit repair service when you aren't on the verge of bankruptcy can sometimes cause damage to your credit. Having debt reported as "closed by credit grantor" can be a black mark on your credit report. Finish the pay-back program, and then you can start to recover your credit.
A person used a non-profit credit repair service and now can not qualify for a car loan. Ilyce explains to use these services only if you are on the verge of bankruptcy.
Transferring Credit Card Balance Is Smart Move
A couple wonders if transferring their credit card balance to a lower rate card will hurt their credit score. Transferring a balance to save money and paying off the debt is the best strategy. Transferring a balance shouldn't lower your credit score, especially if it means paying off your debt sooner and cheaper.