Your credit report is a comprehensive record of your credit history, used by lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. Understanding what’s on your credit report and how to correct errors is crucial for maintaining a healthy credit score.
Key Sections of a Credit Report:
- Personal Information: Ensure that your name, address, Social Security number, and employment information are correct.
- Credit Accounts: Review all accounts, including mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and any other credit lines. Confirm that the account balances, credit limits, and payment history are accurate.
- Credit Inquiries: Check the list of companies that have accessed your credit report. Too many hard inquiries, often triggered by applications for new credit, can negatively impact your score.
If you spot any inaccuracies, dispute them with the credit bureau reporting the error. Provide any necessary documentation to support your claim. The bureau is required to investigate and correct any verified inaccuracies within 30 days.
Regularly reviewing your credit report helps you stay informed about your credit status and correct any errors that could harm your score.