I recently attended a continuing education class about consumer credit. The class was taught by Patrick Ritchie with Axis Mortgage. If you have further questions, he can be reached via email at PRitchie@AxisMtg.com. The information below came from his class.
The Credit Report
Your credit report is a computer stored database file, that contains information regarding your personal credit worthiness and debt history repayment. This information is supplied by past and present creditors, courts, and government agencies.
*A study by U.S. Public Interest Research Group found that 70% of the reports studied contained error of some kind: 29% contained errors serious enough to cause the denial of credit 41% contained inaccurate personal demographic information 20% were missing major account information
The following credit information is stored as part of your credit report: A. Identification by name, address, social security number, date of birth, and place of employment. B. Information in public records (Birth records, civil suits, judgments, etc) C. Credit history of previous and past creditors as to your opening balance and date, current balance, monthly payment amount, payment history, and last date paid. D. List of all inquiries by all providers of credit who checked your credit report as part of the process of issuing credit. E. Any statement, not to exceed 100 words, which explains more accurately and derogatory credit on your report.
There are three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. All bureaus do not necessarily contain the same data or all of your credit history.
Credit scoring is a system creditors use to help determine whether to give you credit. Scoring ranges from 300-900, higher is better.
Scoring break down: 35% payment history 30% amount owed 10% inquiries/new debt 10% types of credit 15% length of history
Improving your Credit Report
* The most common error is a collection that has been paid, but not reported to the credit bureaus as paid.
* Consumer Credit Counseling counts as a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
You should review your credit report once a year for accuracy.
If you find something on your report that you believe is incorrect, first contact the creditor. Ask them to correct the error. If they won't correct the item, write to the credit bureau and ask them to investigate the item. Briefly explain the reasons why the item is inaccurate, include any documentation that supports your claim. Be sure to save a copy for your records.
The credit bureau will investigate the item, usually within 30 days, and notify you of it's decision. If the item cannot be verified by the company that reported it, the item will be corrected or deleted from your file. You will receive an amended copy of your credit report reflecting the change. If the credit bureau receives verification of the item fro the company that reported it, or if the bureau believes your dispute is frivolous, the item will remain on your credit report.
If you believe the credit bureau did not handle your request in a fair manner, you have the option of filing a complaint with your state. You also have the option of contacting a private attorney. NOTE- is is NOT a good idea to hire a credit repair service.
Contacting the Credit Bureau:
Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc. http://www.equifax.com PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 800-685-1111
Trans Union Corporation http://www.tuc.com PO Box 34012 Fullerton, CA 92831 800-916-8800
Credit Data Southwest Inc (Affiliate of Experian) PO Box 2070 Phoenix, AZ 85001 602-528-7785