Checking Your Credit Report

Your credit report is used by many different lenders and other entities to make decisions about you. When it comes to your credit report, it's what you don't know that can hurt you. Credit card companies, mortgage loan companies, auto loan and insurance companies, even landlords and employers check credit reports to find out about your past credit. The reason? They figure if you were responsible in the past, you will most likely be responsible in the future.

When it's time to consider any sort of financial move -- a new home or car, a new credit card, a new auto insurance policy, even a new job -- it's a good time to check your credit report.

After You Get Your Credit Report

When you get your credit report, review it carefully. If you see something on your credit report, such as an unpaid bill that you simply forgot about, act right away to resolve it. Then ask the business to whom you owed the money to send a letter to the credit reporting agencies saying that the matter has been resolved.

Also, make sure your credit report is accurate. Check for accounts you didn't open, charges you didn't make, and delinquencies you didn't cause. If you see evidence of fraud, contact the credit reporting agencies immediately. Explain the situation and ask that a fraud alert be placed in your file. Also report the fraud to the police and obtain a police report.

Your creditworthiness will follow you throughout your life and can help you financially -- or hurt you. Review your credit report carefully!

Checking Your Report Is Easy

Get the 3-in-1 Credit Report and see your credit history as reported by the three major credit reporting agencies.

You can also subscribe to Equifax Credit Watch¿ Gold or Silver and get an early alert to new, and possibly suspicious, activity on your Equifax credit report. Equifax Credit Watch¿ also gives you up to $20,000(limits apply) in identity theft insurance depending on program.