A credit report is
a record of your credit activities. It lists any credit card accounts
or loans you may have, the balances, and how regularly you make timely
payments. It also shows if any action has been taken against you because
of unpaid bills.
Whether you are looking to
increase your credit rating score,
establish
or rebuild credit, it is important
to check credit reports and keep them in good order because they
are used in qualifying you for a loan or employment. Checking your credit
reports is also one of the best ways to combat identity
theft.
Check your credit file
for accuracy
Contact the 3 major credit
reporting agencies and request a copy of your credit report for free
or a small fee:  Equifax,  Experian
and  TransUnion.
If any of the data is outdated or inaccurate, then correct
the credit errors.
Credit bureaus provide
information to the following requestors: (1) creditors who are considering
granting or have granted you credit; (2) employers considering you
for employment, promotion, reassignment, or retention; (3) insurers
considering you for an insurance policy or reviewing an existing policy;
(4) government agencies reviewing your financial status or government
benefits; and (5) anyone with a legitimate business need for the
information, such as a potential landlord.
Credit bureaus also furnish
reports if required by court orders or federal jury subpoenas. They will
also issue your report to a third party if you request this in writing.
Contents of your credit
report
There are four main types
of information:
Identifying Information:
Your full name, any known aliases, current and previous addresses, social
security number, year of birth, current and past employers, and, if applicable,
similar information about your spouse.
Credit Information:
The accounts you have with banks, retailers, credit-card issuers, utility
companies, and other lenders (accounts are listed by type of loan, such
as mortgage, student loan, revolving credit, or installment loan; the date
you opened the account; your credit limit or the loan amount; any co-signers
of the loan; and your payment pattern over the past two years).
Public Records: State
and county court records on bankruptcy, tax liens, or monetary judgments
(some consumer reporting agencies list non-monetary judgments as well).
Recent Inquiries:
The names of those who have obtained copies of your credit report within
the past year (two years for employment purposes).
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Credit Report 
