What is a Credit Freeze and How Can I Use One to Protect My Credit?
A Credit Freeze is a powerful, free tool that blocks access to your credit report, making it much harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. You must place a freeze separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to be fully protected. In this article you’ll learn what a credit freeze does, how […]
10 Surprising Things That Are and Are Not In Your Credit Report
You likely already know that it’s a smart idea to check your credit reports annually. In fact, by law, you’re entitled each year to one free copy of your credit reports from each of the country’s largest credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Credit Monitoring Explained
Credit monitoring is an electronic, subscription-based service for consumers who want to track their credit activity at the “Big 3” U.S. credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit bureaus, credit scoring firms and other companies typically sell credit monitoring services for a fee ranging from about $10 to $20 a month. But some […]
About Experian Credit Educator
How would you like to get one-on-one, personalized credit education information directly from a credit bureau? Actually, it’s now possible. In October 2011, Experian, one of the big three credit reporting agencies, announced the rollout of a new program that they’re calling Experian Credit Educator. It’s a dedicated consumer education service that’s available to consumers […]
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is simply a three-digit number that summarizes your overall credit standing and tells creditors how likely you are to either repay a debt or default on it. A credit score is calculated based on the underlying information that is contained in your credit reports. But a credit score is not automatically included […]
How to Get Your Experian PLUS Score Free
By federal law, you are entitled to receive one free credit report annually from each of the three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. If you want to know what your Experian PLUS Score is, you typically have to order your credit report directly from Experian. That will cost you money, because Experian does […]
How to Compare Your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion Credit Reports
If you’ve thought about ordering your free credit report, which credit reporting bureau should you contact? Many people wonder what the difference is between the Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit reports. Each credit reporting agency uses a different set of criteria and variables to calculate your credit score, and some lenders prefer to use one […]
What’s the Best Way to Get Negative Information Removed From My Credit Report
Question: One of my subscribers had a question. She asked, “What’s the best way to have negative information removed from my credit report?” Answer: Negative information can legally stay on your credit report for seven years. For some negative information, such as a bankruptcy, it can be as long as 10 years. The subscriber didn’t […]
Differences In Equifax, Experian and TransUnion Credit Reports
If you’ve ever pulled your credit files from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – each of the three major credit bureaus- and tried to compare them, you know that certain information in your credit records likely to be different. But did you also realize that the manner in which the credit bureaus present your credit data […]
Do I Need My Plus Score or Just My FICO Score?
In addition to your FICO credit scores, you should also get your Experian PLUS score. In recent years, consumers got all three FICO scores – based on their TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian reports. But as of 2009, you can now only get two FICO scores (based on what’s in your Equifax and TransUnion files). You can no longer get an Experian-based FICO score. So what should you do to get a score based on all three credit files? My recommendation is to get your third credit score directly from Experian via its www.creditexpert.com consumer website. This score is known as your Experian PLUS Score.
Which Credit Report is More Important: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion?
If you’ve ever wondered which credit report is most important, you’re not alone. Managing your finances or applying for a loan means knowing how lenders view your credit profile—and that can make all the difference. As a financial educator who’s helped countless consumers understand their credit standing, I’ve seen firsthand how the three major credit […]
What’s The Fastest Way to Get the Credit Bureaus to Fix Mistakes In My Credit Reports?
You can dispute mistakes with the credit bureaus by mail or telephone, but you’ll get the fastest results if you initiate a dispute online. Here are the websites and phone numbers you should use for the credit bureaus when you contact them to dispute errors: http://www.investigate.equifax.com or 888-800-8859 http://www.Experian.com/disputes or 866-200-6020 http://www.Transunion.com/investigate or 800-916-8800 It’s […]
Why You Should Get All Three Credit Reports at Once
When it’s time to check your credit history, the best move is to get all three credit reports—from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—at the same time. While some experts suggest staggering your reports throughout the year, reviewing them simultaneously gives you a clearer, more comprehensive view of your credit standing. Let’s explore why pulling all three […]
What Personal Information is Included in Your Credit Files
Federal laws dictate what personal information about you can – and can’t – be included in your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Here’s a rundown of what to expect. Personal Information – Make Sure It’s Letter Perfect The top part of your credit report contains a condensed set of personal facts about you […]