• What are included in a credit report?
• What are not included in a credit report?
• How can I get a credit report?
• How can I see my credit score? What is my credit score?
• Who can see my credit report? Can I see somebody's credit report?
• How long does bad information remain on my credit report?
• What Can I do if I am a victim of credit fraud?
• I do not have a credit card. How can I obtain a credit report?

There are usually five categories of information on a credit profile:

• Identifying Information
• Employment Information
• Credit Information
• Public Record Information
• Inquiries
  

What are not included in a credit report?

A credit report does include:

• Your Race
• Your Religion
• Your Health
• Your Driving Record
• Your Criminal Record
• Your Political Preference
• Your Income

How can I get a credit report?

You can obtain your credit report online or by mail. Please refer to our Credit Report Services page for details. If you qualify (Georgia residents qualify), you may be eligible for a Free Credit Report directly from the Credit Reporting Agencies; or you can pay some companies to pull your credit report from one or all three credit report bureaus.

How can I see my credit score? What is my credit score?

Until very recently, you would not have been able to see your credit score. Now, many companies let you check your credit score if you order one of their products. For more information on credit scores, please visit  our Credit Score page.

Who can see my credit report? Can I see somebody's credit report?

Your credit report can be seen by companies who need such information to pre-qualify/pre-prove you for loans, by credit card companies, by your landlord and/or by employers. You, as an individual may not obtain a credit report on another individual unless you have a legal reason and a permission from that person to do so. Valid reasons include those that require credit information for business decision such as renting house/apartment, loans, etc.

How long does bad information/bad credit history remain on my credit report?

In general, credit history remains on your file for a maximum of 7 years in case of bankruptcy, the worst credit offense out there. Be aware though, that if you have defaulted on some loan and never repaid it, the creditors may keep filing bad information on your file so even if 7 years have passed since you stopped paying, bad information may still be on your credit report. The "7-years" date applies to those accounts that have been "resolved" that is there has been a closure of the case. So check your credit report to make sure that the old lenders do not keep piling bad information into your credit files. You really should take a look at your credit reports. If you were recently denied credit you may be able to get them for free. Look for more info on our site. Use the links on the top of each page to navigate. Quite simple, but they work. If you read our pages carefully, they have all the answers. If you don't have a credit card, you might want to try to get one at your bank or get a secured credit card so that you accumulate some good history.

What Can I do if I am a victim of credit fraud?

If you've been the victim of “identity theft -- someone has used your name and Social Security number to open accounts, you need to contact each of the three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can call them 24/7. They will help you to clarify this issue. 

I do not have a credit card. How can I obtain a credit report?

You cannot obtain a credit report online without a credit card since companies use your credit card for verification purposes that you are really "who" you are claiming to be. You can visit the web sites for Equifax or Experian and print out an order form. Send it in along with your check to the address on the order form.