Credit Management
Get Your Free Credit Report
The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you FREE access to your credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Although there are many TV ads, email offers, and online search results that may tout “free” credit reports, there is only one authorized source for a truly free credit report. (Source: United States Federal Trade Commission, ftc.gov)
AnnualCreditReport.com is the ONLY authorized source for the free annual credit report that is yours by law
It provides access to all the information in your credit file
It also maintains a record of everyone who has checked your credit report (lenders, insurance providers, etc.)
It’s a great way to identify areas of improvement, discover errors, and detect fraud
This report does not include your credit score
For more information or to request your free report, visit AnnualCreditReport.com
Why does credit matter?
There are a variety of reasons your credit history may be checked – applying for a loan, opening an account with your electric company, renting an apartment, applying for a job, and more!
The purpose of checking your credit history is to gain an understanding of your behavior, including your financial behavior. You can learn more about credit by visiting Experian.com. A few things you’ll learn on this website are:
The four elements of a credit report: identification, account history, public records (bankruptcy filings, court records of tax liens) and inquiries
Find out what to do if you have not established a credit history:
-Have a cosigner or authorized user added to the account
-Apply for a secured credit card, which requires users to put up cash as collateral
How various life events impact your credit
-Marriage or Divorce
-Renting or Leasing
-Making a Large Purchase
-Financing a New Business
How to prevent fraud and identity theft
Improve your credit!
No matter what your credit score currently is, there is always room for improvement. Although the necessary steps for improving your credit are easy, it does take time. So the sooner you start, the better off you will be!
For more information visit smartcreditmatters.com, a website created by our NVB credit card provider. A few things you will learn on this site are:
How credit scores are calculated
Why non-credit companies look at your score
How to improve your credit score
It’s a great way to identify areas of improvement, discover errors, and detect fraud
This report does not include your credit score
For more information or to request your free report, visit AnnualCreditReport.com
