Michael DeMarkks asked:


Your credit rating is one of the most significant things that determines your economic status and it ultimately determines your ability to receive loans (such as home mortgages or car loans), and even get approved for credits cards! There are many factors that can damage your credit scores, and are easily avoidable. Should you miss payments for your utilities or current credit cards, these companies will report these blunders to a credit reporting agency - tarnishing your credit. Bad credit will cut down on economic opportunities in life, so you should fix them as quickly as you can.

When you suspect that your credit rating is damaged, you should acquire a copy of your credit report. There are various agencies in the U.S. and Canada that can give you these reports. Some will charge you a fee and there are others that are free.

Once you’ve found a credit agency, visit their website to download an application, follow the directions and send your application to the agency. Although the post should return your results in a reasonable fashion, you can also get instantaneous results by getting your credit history online. Depending on when you need to offer your credit report for a mortgage loan application or something else, you may want to pay an extra fee in order to have your results rushed.

When you receive your credit report, you should become an investigator. Look over everything carefully and note any mistakes that you see. Just as you have the right to know your credit history, you have the right to report inaccuracies. The credit agencies must investigate and reply with documentation about the discrepancy. The entry must then be erased should the agency not respond within 30 days.

When investigating and reporting problems with your credit report, you will be asked to send in any proof that you have that may support your side of the argument. The agency is not perfect and also makes mistakes. By you providing supporting information, they may be able to prove that a bad credit mark on your report was a human error, or perhaps they mixed you up with someone else. At this time, this entry may be marked “under investigation,” so that any companies that need your credit report may note this for their decision of your economic status.

Searching and investigating your credit history seems like a burdensome and annoying hassle, but it is important for maintaining a healthy economic life. You should research your credit report every few years, so that you make sure to correct any mistakes before you make major life decisions. You do not want to be attempting to buy a house only to find out your credit is terrible. With bad credit, you won’t be able to tell where you stand. By knowing your credit history, you will be able to know if your credit has one major mistake or lots of small ones. This way, you can know what you do to fix it and how long it will take.



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Stephen Lawson asked:


A lot of emphasis and importance is given to know about the credit score. In fact, it is very much important, as it is only through the credit score that you can derive loans, insurance covers and even credit cards. Further, keeping a track on all your financial activities and having a proper knowledge of your credit standing will enable you to maintain a good financial standing. a free 3 in 1 credit report is exactly meant to help you in this regard and assist you to understand your finances in a better way.

A free 3 in 1 credit report is a complete document, which contains all the details related to your financial dealing of a year. In compliance with the federal law, the credit agencies provide the report, which basically contain the same information, even though the method of deriving the information is altogether different. This means that there are chances that some report may be misleading, as some of the information may have been misinterpreted. To avoid such confusions, it would be optimal; to have all the information from the 3 credit agencies in a single document. This is what a free 3 in 1 credit report is meant for.

The 3 credit agencies responsible for issuing the report are Experian, Equifax and Transunion. all the details about your credit standing from the three credit bureaus are then collected and submitted in to a single document. This way, you can compare and contrast the reports, so that you can have a proper conclusion. You will also be in a position to clear any irregularities and errors present in the report. On going through the report, you can rectify the errors and this way you will be in a position to get a better deal.

The best way to derive a free 3 in 1 credit report is possible by applying online. Online application will help you to access the report instantly and that too without paying any fee or charges. Besides, you have the luxury to access the report from any place and that too at any point of time.



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Kathleen Chester asked:


 

Fixing a credit report can be a slow and tedious process. It includes hours of assessment and thinking. However there are some companies that claim to quickly fix your credit report and make you financially credible. These services are usually offered by the independent credit reporting agencies and are used by mortgage lenders or brokers who try to get better loan terms for their borrowers.

 

Bad credit scores can hamper your credibility and chances of getting a credit. In such a case, you need to fix your credit report. A credit report can be fixed by removing errors. This process can help to boost a borrower’s credit score in the midst of the lending process and get a loan or a better interest rate for them than might have been possible otherwise.

 

Unlike the past when most of the lending decisions were man-made, most of the decisions today are automated, using computers and credit scores. This system has dramatically declined the opportunities to get special treatment and errors are a more serious problem these days.

 

If by the mistake of the machine, someone else’s bankruptcy is reported in your credit file, you can lose hundreds of points off your credit score and your credit application likely would be rejected. Even the slightest errors can beat enough points off your score for the lender to turn you down your application or charge a higher interest rate.

 

You can however wait for the mistake to be fixed through the normal channels which involves writing the credit bureau and waiting up to 30 days for an investigation. This process is however very long and takes too much of time. The home sales and refinancing can fall through in the time it takes to fix problems.

 

You can fix your own credit report and make the repairs. Here are some of the important steps that you can follow while fixing your own credit report.

 

· Make regular reviews of your credit report to keep an eye on any errors flowing in. You can get a copy of your credit history from each of the three major bureaus and review for errors, outdated information and accounts that aren’t yours. In case of any problems, you can consult the bureaus about how to dispute these items.

 

· You can contact your creditors if the bureaus say the creditors have confirmed the information you think is incorrect. In that case you may need to directly argue your case with the creditors. If the creditor accepts his mistake and agrees to remove the item from your credit report then make sure you get a acknowledgement letter for the same from the creditor.

 

· Keep a good record pf all thee paperwork that is generated by these disputes and investigations. You may need to present this to the credit bureau, or your loan officer, when required.



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Abhishek Agarwal asked:


When a company is deciding whether or not to give you a loan, a mortgage or a credit card it checks your credit report. Your credit report contains information about every credit transaction you have made. If you failed to make a payment or defaulted on a loan then it will be on your credit report.

Until the US government brought in legislation to make this information freely available to you only finance companies, banks and mortgage lenders could see it. Now you are entitled to see it too.

The FACT Act made it possible to see your credit record for free every year for the first time. You need no longer be in the dark about what the finance companies know about you.

This is information about you and it is your right to see it. You should make use of that right because it affects your ability to get loans, credit cards and mortgages. If you are refused credit is probably because of something in your credit report.

There may be mistakes in your credit report that are stopping you from getting a loan. Someone may have fraudulently used your identity to take out a credit card or loan which they have not paid. You will then be left with a bad credit report that is not your fault.

There are three companies that compile credit reports. You can only get to see one of those reports for free. But if there are mistakes in that one then it will be worth your while to pay for the other two.

Not all the credit reporting companies have exactly the same information. They compile their data in slightly different ways.

Once you have seen the report and checked it against your own records you can correct inaccuracies any inaccuracies it may contain. There is a facility on the websites of the credit reporting companies for you to inform them of mistakes in your report. You will have to produce written evidence such as bank statements or credit card statements. But the process is quite simple.

By correcting inaccuracies in your credit report you are protecting your credit score. Even one mistake can make the difference between getting a loan and being refused credit.

All Americans can now get a free credit report every year. It is a responsible financial practice to take advantage of this opportunity. By doing so you are taking control of your own finances.

You can guard against identity theft, you can correct errors, and you can see if your credit score is falling because you have a pattern of late payments. It is in your interests to maintain a good credit score. If you check your credit record every year you can address problems as they arise.



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Jason Kay asked:


Even a minor mistake on your credit report can keep you from getting a good interest rate on a line of credit. It is vital to keep your credit as good as possible. But did you know that up to 70% of credit reports contain mistakes? The three major credit bureaus are in charge of keeping track of your credit history. Since they have millions of reports to keep track of, they can’t be concerned with making sure every report is 100% accurate. That job is up to you. So what steps do you need to take to make sure your credit reports are as good as possible?

Check one report every 4 months to locate any errors. This is an important step. You are entitled by law to one free report from each of the three credit bureaus every year. Take advantage of this. Remember, one bureau can make a mistake while the other two don’t, so be on the lookout. If you do find a mistake on one, then you should order to the other two to make sure the same mistake isn’t on the others.

Write to the bureau when a mistake is found, don’t call first. Why shouldn’t you call first? Because when you call, you don’t have any evidence you contacted the bureau, which is important if you, in a worst case scenario, have to take the mistake to court. Address the letter to a company executive, not to the bureau in general. In the letter, attach a copy of your report and highlight the mistakes. Give them all your contact information including your full name, address, contact information, and social security number. Make it as easy as possible for them to help you out.

Remind the bureaus what they are required to do by law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires Equifax, Transunion, and Experian to investigate all discrepancies consumers report, including…

? Purchases made by someone else

? Prices on bills that don’t match your records

? Charges for products or services you never received

? Computational errors

The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that any transaction that can’t be proven within 30 days be removed.

Keep calm and be professional when you do make a call. Correcting your credit history is likely to be a headache. The one letter probably won’t be the end of your credit trouble. Be prepared to make a series of phone calls to credit bureaus and other financial institutions. These phone calls can be frustrating, but a calm and tactful attitude will get you much farther than screaming and yelling will.

Take notes of everything that happens and get confirmation. Why? In case you have to go to court. This is unlikely, but it does happen. When you get verbal assurance that a bureau will take action, try to get them to send you a written confirmation they have, or will, do what they said.

Call a lawyer only as a last result. Nobody wants to get caught up in a legal battle, but if an uncorrected mistake will be a huge blemish on your report, this step must be taken. A lawyer will help you take the necessary action if the above steps haven’t fixed the mistake.

Making wise financial decisions and paying off all your bills are steps you can take to keep your credit reports spot free. But a bureau can easily make a mistake. Do your part to catch these mistakes as soon as possible. The sooner you catch them, the more likely the mistakes can be co



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Fred L asked:


I would like to remove a paid state tax lien from my credit report. Besides going to a credit repair agency what else can I do to get it removed. I am in the process of refinancing my house and it is hurting my score. Any help I can get would be appreciated. thanks.

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itoderita asked:


I am applying for a job at a bank, and they pulled my credit report, which showed that I owe $200 to Sprint. I had an account with them over 4 years ago, and they don’t have any record of me. How can I take care of it?

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Mike Clover asked:


it report is not something to be taken lightly these days. It is almost as important as your social security card. There will come a time where your credit report will be required for credit purposes. We see credit reports on a daily basis, and there typically are issues with that individual’s credit report that was not known. This is all too common due to a lack of staying on top of your personal credit report. Here are some common issues we see that cause loans to get denied.

Credit Report Issues:

- Credit Cards charged beyond credit limit

- Credit Cards charged above 30% of allowed credit limit

- Late payments

- Co-signed for loans

- No Credit

- Credit Score too low

- Your dads credit shows up on your report because you are a junior

- Medical Collections

- Stolen Identity

- Credit card fraud

The majority of the time most people have no idea that the previous information discussed affects your credit report. All it takes is one of these mistakes to have issues getting credit extended to you.

If you are getting ready to make a purchase you can definitely save on interest rates and terms by pulling a copy of your credit report with credit scores. This is a preventive measure so you don’t get blind sided with a credit problem. There is a 1 n 4 chances your credit report has incorrect information on it.

Suggestions to avoid common credit report mistakes

- Pull your credit report every 3 months

- Don’t be late on obligations

- Don’t co-sign for anyone

- Don’t charge more on a credit card than you can pay off that month

- Establish credit if you don’t have any with Secured Credit Cards

- Pay your medical bills

- Shred all document that come in the mail to avoid id theft

It only makes since these days to watch out for the problems that have been mentioned.You have nothing to loose by checking your credit report with credit scores regularly. You would be suprised about how many people have identity theft going on with them and not even know about it, until its too late. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Most identity theft could have been prevented with a little better credit management. If you have not checked your credit in a while, now is a good time to get that piece of mind. This is part of proper credit managment.



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Abhishek Agarwal asked:


You just discovered errors in one or more of your credit reports, or even worse, accurate references to late payments or other negative issues that lower your credit scores. Take a few deep breaths and try to stay calm, because credit report errors can be fixed. It’s possible to remove many negative items, too–and without help from companies that promise to repair your credit.

How To Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report

a) Make a copy of your credit report and circle every item you believe is incorrect.

b) Write a letter to the reporting agency (the address will be printed on the report). Explain each dispute and request an investigation to resolve the issues. If you have supporting paperwork, send it along, coding pages to match dispute paragraphs. Do not send your originals.

c) Send all materials by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you can prove the packet was received.

d) Send a similar letter of dispute to the creditor whose reporting statements you disagree with.

Refer to a billing statement to find the correct address for disputes, because it’s usually different from the payment address. If your dispute involves personal information, such as your current address, enclose a copy of your driver’s license or a utility bill in your name to verify your residence.

The reporting agency will initiate an investigation, contacting your creditors to verify the accuracy of the information. If the creditor cannot verify that the entry is correct, it must be removed. When the investigation is complete, the agency must send you a free copy of your report if changes were made.

If the investigation uncovers an error, you have the right to ask that a corrected version of your credit report be sent to everyone who received the report during the past six months.

Remember;

Contact your creditor first, and then allow a bit of lead time before you submit the dispute to the reporting agency. By the time the dispute is verified, the creditor will hopefully have corrected the error.

Internet Disputes;

You can initiate an investigation from many online credit reports by following the links provided and checking the disputed items as directed. There sometimes isn’t a place for remarks–you’ll simply check a multiple-choice reason for each dispute.

If Changes Aren’t Made

If the credit reporting agency says the original information is accurate, it must provide you with a written notice that includes the name, address, and phone number of the person who made the report. If you still disagree, initiate a second investigation.

Unfortunately, in the real world the reporting agencies often try to sidestep that requirement, giving you standard, computer-generated information rather than the facts you need to find the person or department who made the negative report. Keep plugging away until you have the answer you’re looking for.

If your attempts to correct an entry are unsuccessful, you can ask the reporting agency to insert a 100-character explanation next to it that explains your side of the story.

What if You Hit a Dead End

I know from personal experience that it’s sometimes difficult to have information changed, even if you can prove it is incorrect. A family member has not been able to have an incorrect employer notation corrected, even though he has not worked at the company for many years. The standard response from the credit reporting agency is that they would not have the information if he had not included it on an application for credit.

Why did that happen? Someone likely keyed-in a previous employer as a current employer. Sometimes you simply cannot get through to them that errors exist.

Negative Entries

Bankruptcies remain on your credit report for ten years, while other types of entries are generally reported for seven years. If an account that was previously past due has been brought current, and has been either paid off or kept current for at least a year, the creditor might agree to an early deletion of the past due references.

Write a letter to your creditor and request that the negative entries be removed. They’ll often comply if they see you are up to date and handling your account in a positive way.

Another tactic you can use to clean up your credit report is to dispute a negative item even if you believe it is accurate, but you’ll have to follow your conscience to decide if that’s an ethical way to go



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Akkita asked:


I was watching the Today Show & their financial specialist was talking about credit card debt dropping off your credit report after so many years but I missed most of her comments .
Anyone hear of this ? Is it a fact ?
Does anyone know of a website I can check with? I can’t find it on the Today Show website.

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