Why is it important to check my credit scores and reports?
Your credit scores and reports change constantly as information is reported by your creditors; the good, the bad and even the inaccurate. Undetected errors can cost you loan approval and money. Our Dispute Center provides a step-by-step guide to help you address score-lowering errors with Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion®.
Will checking my own credit hurt my credit scores?
Not at all. In fact, you should regularly check your credit reports from TransUnion®, Equifax® and Experian® to be sure there are no score-lowering errors or possible fraud.
Why do I need all three scores, when other companies only offer me one or two?
Lenders don’t all use the same credit bureau to check your credit – and your credit scores may not all be the same. We provide your scores from TransUnion®, Equifax® and Experian® so you know where you may stand no matter which bureau lenders use!
What is a good credit score?
In general, credit scores greater than 720 will help you qualify for loans with low interest rates. Scores can range from the 300s to the 800s. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for a new auto loan, credit card or mortgage at a competitive interest rate. We categorize scores using the Vantage 3.0 scoring model developed by TransUnion
®, Equifax
® and Experian
®:
| Excellent |
810 – 850 |
| Great |
750 – 809 |
| Good |
670 – 749 |
| Fair |
560 – 669 |
| Poor |
500 – 559 |
| Very Poor |
300 – 499 |
What should I watch for on my credit reports?
After confirming your personal information is correct, look for errors and signs of fraud, including:
- New accounts that you do not recall opening
- Negative information that is incorrect, including missed or late payments, collection actions, evictions or repossessions
- Outdated negative information that should have fallen off your reports
- Unauthorized credit inquiries from parties you don’t recognize
Note: Be sure to compare your reports across all three bureaus for account discrepancies that could cause a difference in your scores.
Why is it important to have good credit?
You’re more likely to be approved and qualify for lower interest rates that’ll put more money in your pocket every month by reducing your payment amount on credit cards and auto, home and personal loans.
How are my credit scores calculated?
Your scores are based on information from your credit reports and are calculated using these five main factors: payment history, outstanding debt, new activity, length of your credit history and types of accounts.
Why are my credit scores different?
TransUnion®, Equifax® and Experian® all collect information as reported by your creditors; however, your creditors might not report to all three bureaus – or report at the same time – which results in score differences.
What information is on my credit reports?
Your credit reports contain personal identifying information, account history and current payment status, employment history, negative items such as public records in your name, and a list of those who have checked your credit (called credit inquiries).
How do negative items affect my scores?
Negative items are things on your reports that damage your scores including public records such as foreclosures, tax liens, civil judgments and bankruptcies; collection accounts (turned over to a third-party debt collection agency); past due accounts and the like. Depending on the severity, a negative item can drop your scores significantly for months if not years.
How long do negative items stay on my credit reports?
It depends on the item. Most public records can remain on your reports for seven years, but bankruptcies can stay up to 10 years, and tax liens indefinitely. Collection accounts can live for seven years plus 180 days from the delinquency. Past due accounts (even a single 30-day late payment) will stay on your reports for seven years.
What if I see an error or fraud on my credit reports?
File a dispute! Errors or fraud can lower your credit scores and cost you money. Our Dispute Center provides members with a step-by-step guide to help you file disputes with Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion®.
What is credit monitoring?
It’s the process of tracking activity on your credit report and notifying you of any significant changes that may pose a threat to your credit or identity.
How does credit monitoring work?
We monitor your credit report daily and send you a Credit Alert email when changes or suspicious activity is detected, including personal information changed, delinquencies added, new accounts opened, inquiries into your credit, and other actions that could affect your credit scores.
What is Identity Theft Insurance?
As a paid member, you’re automatically covered for up to $1 Million Identity Theft Insurance* to help with the cost of repairs should your identity be stolen.
