WARNING: Some of this information may not be up to date.
If you have been denied credit you can get a free copy of the report the creditor used.
There are three major credit bureaus: CBI/Equifax, Experian and Trans Union, plus many smaller regional and local bureaus. In addition, once a year you can order a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies: www.annualcreditreport.com. Otherwise, for a minimal amount (usually $8.00) you can obtain a copy of each credit report. To be very thorough order a report from all three credit bureaus. If possible get these as three separate reports, rather than one merged report. Sometimes it is more difficult to read the merged report.
Listing creditors in a bankruptcy.
The important point to understand is that failing to list a creditor/collection company/attorney can leave you exposed to that creditor even after your bankruptcy is completed. The best philosophy is to list everyone, no matter whether or not you remember ever owing that creditor. Also make certain to list all the debts of your ex-spouse that were incurred while you were married and debts which were business obligations.
When ordering your credit reports make sue to provide detailed information.
When requesting a copy of the report make sure to include your full name, prior names, spouse’s full name, all addresses used in the last 5 years, with zip codes, your social security number and date of birth. Send that information to the addresses set forth below. You also should include a copy of your driver’s license which will verify your current address and your identity. It normally takes 3-4 weeks to obtain this information.
1) Experian: PO Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013-2104.
– if denied credit in the last 60 days send letter to:
Experian, Attn: NCAC, PO Box 949, Allen, TX 75013-0949
2) CBI/Equifax: (use a credit card to pay for your report).
800-997-2493, fax: 770-375-3150, or write to CBI/Equifax, PO Box 74021, Atlanta, GA
30374-0241
– if denied credit in last 60 days send letter to:
CBI/Equifax, PO Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
3) Trans Union: PO Box 390, Springfield, PA 30374-0256
– if denied credit in last 60 days: call- 800-888-4213
Credit Scoring – 850 is the top score.
FNMA has instructed that any score less than 620 dictates that the lender use extreme caution in making any loans. The odds are that those with a score of less than 500 will fail to make their first payment in one out of three loans. Knowledge is power.
MoneyGeek – this is a resource for more information about credit scores, but please note I have no idea about the accuracy of information on any website.
Also, be very careful about signing up for credit score companies that promise to “fix” your credit – they are scams.
This website is not intended to be a legal advice resource. It is only meant to be used for educational reasons. Please don’t take any action or refrain from taking any action based on what you’ve read on this website. This website, article, or link may contain outdated, incorrect, or irrelevant information. It is your obligation to speak with an expert attorney who can apply current legislation or laws to your personal situation in a professional manner.
