November 11 2010 (Shirley Allen)
The Federal Reserve announced a new online resource that provides practical answers to questions about credit reports, credit scores, and the importance of protecting personal credit histories.
The Consumer’s Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores describes the content of a credit report, explains how a credit score is used, and discusses the role of credit bureaus in collecting and disseminating this information.
Mortgage lenders, banks, insurers, utilities, employers, and other businesses may obtain credit reports from credit bureaus to assess how an individual manages their financial responsibilities. Consumers need to know what’s in their credit report and understand how negative information, such as late payments or a bankruptcy filing, might affect a lender’s decision to grant credit. The guide answers questions ranging from “What is a credit score?” to “How can I get a free copy of my credit report?” to “How long does negative information stay on my credit report?” It contains tips to help consumers improve their credit scores and provides step-by-step instructions for correcting an error in a credit report.
The Federal Reserve also offers these other helpful online publications:
5 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
5 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Credit Card
Tags: federal reserve, credit report, credit score, credit bureau, credit history, consumer guides