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

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Credit Information:

Related Articles

Warning: Free Credit Report Imposter Websites Springing Up on the Web
A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report, upon request, once every 12 months.Access to the free credit reports has been phased in beginning last December in the West and will finally be nationwide by 1 September.
Ways to Look Good without Selling Your Soul to the Credit Card Sharks
1. Buy clothes at thrift stores.
Are you paying higher interest on your credit cards than you think?
Many credit card holders sign up for a credit account with an 8.9% interest rate and then later realize that their interest rate has been bumped to 27.
How to Improve Your Credit Rating
So you got into debt, had problems but you got yourself back on your feet through hard work and sacrifice and how are you rewarded? A Bad Credit Rating.You would be forgiven for thinking thats not fair and why did you bother sorting yourself out if your hands are still tied when it comes to applying for anything financial? There are ways to improve your credit rating and get back on track completely.
Useful Tips When Choosing Credit Cards
Chances are you have received your share of "pre-approved" credit card offers in the mail, some with low introductory rates and other perks. Many of these solicitations urge you to accept "before the offer expires.
10 Simple Steps to Manage Your Credit
By far the greatest invention the banks have ever come up with came out in the 20th century. Also the new field of Credit Management was born with the invention of the credit card.
Credit Report Secrets: Do You Know What They Reveal?
If you've ever applied for a credit card or loan, you've probably hadyour credit report reviewed by the lender. Your credit report has a huge impact on your financial future, so it's well worth your time to be sure that you understand what your credit report says about you.
Compare Credit Card Offers and Reward Yourself
Here's a simple system on how to pay zero interest and get tons of free stuff. Almost everyone uses credit cards.
Bankruptcy vs. Credit Counseling: What Should I Do?
Credit Counseling and bankruptcy are both ways to relieve the stress of debt. However, they are very different and it is important to understand both before making a decision as to which is best for you.
Collection Agencies: What Do They Do?
Collection agencies are businesses that collect past-due bills and accounts receivable for other persons or businesses in exchange for a fee. Collection agencies charge for their services one of three ways:1) A flat fee.
What Happens When Your Credit Is Damaged? Do You Have Recourse?
The good thing about bad credit is that you can fix it. If you start now, over time, your bad credit can turn into good credit, and you could qualify for the loans you want at the rates you want.
How to Avoid Credit Card Late Fees
Everyone hates late fees and being late will cost you dearly these days. For some credit cards today, if you are late, you will have to shell out as much as $40 each time.
Its Your Credit - Take Care of It!
Thanks to the Fair and Accurate Credit Act, American consumers can receive a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus-Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You can order your free credit report by visiting www.
Useful Tips on Using Credit Cards
Here are some useful tips on using credit cards. Whether you shop online, by telephone or by mail, a credit card can make buying many things much easier; but when you use a credit card, it's important to keep track of your spending.
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Your Credit Report
Your credit report is a very powerful report that essential controls what you can and cannot do in your life. Unfortunately many people aren't aware of what a credit report actually is and what information is contained on the report.
The Top 5 Secrets to Managing Your Credit Cards-So They Won't Manage You
You've probably never heard of Frank X. McNamara, but he revolutionized the way you shop on a daily basis.
A Cure for an Ailing Credit
Credit has become a much-used word, thanks to the various connotations that it is being used in. Transactions in which the payment is deferred to the near future are termed as credit transactions.
Maximizing Credit Card Rewards
In their quest to get you to sign up for their credit card, banks and financial institutions are coming up with more and higher incentives to entice you. Frequent flyer miles gave way to gas miles which opened the door for cash rebates and reward points to be used at 'our fine member merchants'.
Credit Score: The Brightest Feather In Your Financial Cap
Credit scores are the most important aspect that determines your financial future. Carrying a good credit score is an asset and can pave your future towards greener pastures.
First Major Regulatory and Legislative Victory of 2005 for Creditors and Consumers
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collectors are not allowed to disclose a consumers past due debt to anyone other than the debtor and in some cases a spouse. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act would have required collectors to identify the registered name of their business in any pre-recorded messages to consumers or debtors.