How To Get Free Annual Credit Reports From Major Credit Bureaus
If you plan to apply for a mortgage, car loan, credit card or consolidation loan, then you will need to know what is in your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus. These include TransUnion, Equifax and Experian and each keeps a detailed record of your current and past debts, payment history, along with any information on public record, which may include foreclosures, bankruptcies or judgements.
Each of your credit reports from the aforementioned bureaus will also feature a numeric score, which is what many lenders refer to when determining your interest rate on a new loan. This number, known as a FICO score, is calculated based on a number of factors that will help potential lenders determine your credit worthiness. Your debt to income ratio, balance to credit limit ratio and the number of revolving credit accounts are all taken into consideration when tallying your FICO score. In addition, any bankruptcy or other negative presence will cause your score to be lowered.
Every 12 months, an individual is permitted to request a free copy of their credit reports from each of the...