Fixing A Credit Report

Fixing a credit report starts with seeing what's on it. You may get access for free online. Try a search for "free credit report." Alternately, when you are denied credit based on a report issued by a local credit reporting agency, you can request a free credit report from that agency within 30 days.

A quick look and you'll have an idea why you were denied credit. Now how do you fix what you see? What if you find incorrect information on the report? What if you want to change information that is accurate, but unfair?

First, if there is anything you want to dispute in the report, you can write a letter to the agency. Tell them exactly what is incorrect, and they must investigate. Send copies of any documentation, such as canceled checks, and send it all by certified mail.

The agency must contact the source of the disputed information. If they recieve no confirmation within 14 days, they must delete the item from their files, and send you an updated report. You can demand that they send the corrected report to all creditors that recieved your credit report in the previous six months. This last part won't be done automatically, so be sure to demand it.

Honestly, if the item is under $500, or is more than a year old, usually creditors don't bother to respond. This means fixing a credit report is possible even if it isn't incorrect. Also, if you don't succeed on your first attempt, you have the right to dispute the item again after 30 days.

Put Explanations On Your Credit Report

When an item can't be removed, you have the right to add a 100-word explanation permanently to your credit report. All who recieve the report will see your explanation. For example, if you had a valid argument with your doctor over a charge, you can explain the details.

Fixing a credit report may take a long time if it is based on a history of late payments and loan defaults. But even in this case, you can correct little errors, and explain anything that isn't fair. This will make it look a little better while you start paying bills on time and doing the other things necessary.

Steve Gillman has been studying every aspect of money for thirty years. You can find more interesting and useful information on his website; http://www.EverythingAboutMoney.info

---

Online, Phone, U.S. Mail or In-Person: Where is Your Credit Card and Personal Identify Safest?

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime according to the... Read More

Maximizing Credit Card Rewards

In their quest to get you to sign up for... Read More

5 Surefire Ways To Eliminate Credit Card Debt

Do you have enormous credit card debt? You are certainly... Read More

Credit Card Entrapment - The Secrets are Out

Have you ever wondered why your credit card bill is... Read More

10 Signs You May Need Credit Counseling

Debt management programs can be of real help for people... Read More

Using Credit Cards Wisely

"I think money was stolen from my card" or "I... Read More

Why Credit Cards are a Bad Idea

Credit cards are just so convenient, aren't they? There's no... Read More

ChexSystems: Who They Are and How it Affects You

ChexSystems is a company that maintains a subscriber membership service... Read More

Different Types of Credit Cards and Features - Part 1

Just as there are too many credit card companies to... Read More

Learn How to Improve Your Credit Score

Having a damaging credit record can hurt you in many... Read More

Discover the Parts of a Credit Report and What They Mean

So you ordered a copy of your credit report to... Read More

Are You The Only One Using Your Name?

Identity theft has become an epidemic. Millions and millions of... Read More

Credit Reporting: How Does It Work?

In order to determine a consumer's credit worthiness, creditors and... Read More

What You Should Know About Credit Counseling

Credit counseling is a free service that many people with... Read More

Improving Your Credit Report

Even if you think you have a wonderful credit report,... Read More

Why Your Credit Score is Important

Your credit score can either haunt you or reward you.... Read More

Identity Theft Exploding: Here?s How You Can Avoid Becoming A Victim

Americans are more concerned about identity theft than unemployment or... Read More

Automobile Credit Report

When applying for a loan to purchase a car, the... Read More

The Things That UK Lenders Like to See on Your Credit File, (and? What They Don?t Like to See!)

Lenders are quite fussy about what they like to see... Read More

What Should I Do If I?ve Become a Victim of Identity Theft?

Identity thieves take advantage of everyday opportunities to discover your... Read More

Establishing Credit ? What You Need To Know Part 1

Establishing credit is one of the most important things you... Read More

All About Balance Transfers

What is a balance transfer?A balance transfer can be explained... Read More

Credit Cards for Home Business

It is wise for you to have a company credit... Read More

Applying for Credit Cards Online

In the olden days, about 10 years ago, before the... Read More

Credit Cards For People With Bad Credit Scores

Sometimes life lands you in a situation that causes your... Read More

3 Free Credit Reports For You

If you were to tell someone that they can have... Read More

5 Killer Steps to avoid Credit Card SCAMS!

In August, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission issued their findings... Read More

Beware of Bogus Credit Repair Companies!

So-called "credit repair" companies claim they can remove negative information... Read More

Reward Credit Cards: Get the Best Rewards Card Incentive Program

A good credit reward card can contribute to your retirement... Read More

How Your Credit Rating Affects You, and How to Check It

You might not know it, but every time you take... Read More

How to Get Credit Reporting Agencies to Help You

The process of clearing credit can be laborious and frustrating.... Read More

Four Tips How Homeowners Can Rebuild Their Life After a Foreclosure

Let's face it, if you are facing the possibilities of... Read More

7 Consumer Credit Laws You Should Know if You are Trying to Repair Your Credit

There are seven consumer credit laws you should be aware... Read More