Just like it sounds, your credit card report is your detailed report of how you have managed your credit. With a better credit score, you stand high chances of being granted a credit request at a much lower interest rate. It tells potential lenders about how responsible you have been with your credit. In some cases, it is a legal requirement for lenders to request this important document before entering any deal with you. As important as it is, most people do not know how to check their credit report. Here are some tips to help you your credit report check.
Every year, you are entitled to a free credit card report through annualreport.com, the only legally authorized website to provide free credit reports. It was created by three credit bureaus, and allows customers to obtain a free report from any of the three companies. Alternatively, you can also order a free copy of your report from any of the three leading report companies every twelve months.
In order to check your credit report, you need to provide your personal details like your social security number. However, you need to be wary of other sites that claim they can offer you a free credit report. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, the above listed website is the only authorized one to provide free reports.
How to read your credit card report.
Equifax, TransUnion and Experian, the three companies that make up annualreport.com have useful online guidelines that can help you understand the report you have received from them. Generally, your credit card report will include things like your name, addresses (both current and previous), social security number and your date of birth. In addition to that, it also contains the details of companies or individuals who have obtained your report in the last two years. Other important information include are those from public records like foreclosures, criminal convictions and bankruptcy.
Besides the aforementioned, a credit report also includes information pertaining to your active as well as closed accounts, your monthly payment, your account numbers as well as your payment history for the last two years. But how can you get your credit score?
More often than not, your credit card score is not included in the report. On the contrary, you can receive it from any of the above listed bureaus after you have received your free report. Prices range, depending largely on the package you have chosen. If you find a need to dispute any information provided on the report, it is imperative printing a copy of the report. If, on the other hand, you have chosen to download the same, then it is imperative doing so from a computer that is has an updated antivirus. This will prevent your personal information from falling into wrong hands.
Getting a credit report is very crucial when it comes to financial obligations and commitments. As such, it is important to act responsibly when using your credit card. This is because a good or bad credit report could be the difference between meeting your financial goals and failing to. It is quite clear you should be much concerned with check my credit score.