Believe it or not, a majority of the credit reports offered on the internet don't have the required information (File Number, Confirmation number, or Report number) needed to repair your own credit. So what happens? You try your best to launch a dispute (with the wrong credit report), you find it impossible, you spend more money on new reports, you get frustrated, and you finally give up. Once you have given up, you have saved the credit bureaus a lot of money?and they even made some off you in the process!
Below are four tips that will make the process of ordering your credit reports less intimidating. These tips will also guarantee that you get the right reports needed to repair your credit yourself.
First Tip: DO NOT order your credit reports online. There are over 100 different types of credit reports available on the Internet and very few can be used to repair your credit. When you order your credit reports by phone you are GUARANTEED to have the following; File Number (Trans Union), Confirmation # (Equifax), or Report # (Experian). Once you have those numbers you can begin to repair your credit.
Second Tip: When ordering your credit reports by phone, always choose the option that says you have been declined credit or employment in the last 60 days. When you choose that option you might get your credit reports for free. If not, you might have to pay a small fee.
Third Tip: When ordering your credit reports by phone, choose to order your report without a score. Your score is not important at this time since we both know it needs improving and reports without a score often cost less and are sometimes free.
Fourth Tip: In some cases the credit bureaus will have the wrong address information on file for you, especially if you have moved recently. If this is the case, they might initially deny you access to your report and request that you call and speak to a representative. Don't get discouraged as they hope you do; stay the course and make the extra call if you have to--it's worth it.
The whole report-ordering process will take less than 6 minutes and it's completely automated, so you won't have to speak to anyone. Make sure you write down the confirmation numbers after each call for your records. Below are the phone numbers for each credit bureau:
Trans Union automated phone system Call 800-888-4213.
Experian automated phone system Call 888-397-3742.
Equifax automated phone system Call 800-685-1111.
Once you have received your credit reports from each credit bureau (Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian), you are armed and ready to begin repairing your credit.
I highly recommend a Do-It-Yourself credit repair system like the one I helped develop - Loan Saver PRO: for Consumers; here is a link to their site: http://www.loansaverpro.com/index-1.html. The Loan Saver PRO system teaches you how to manage the entire credit repair process and shows you step-by-step how to launch effective online disputes. Loan Saver PRO: for Consumers is trusted by leading Mortgage companies and guaranteed to work.
As always, I hope the above information helps, and I wish you the best in your credit repair efforts.
Most people view credit report with dread and even fear. This is especially true for those with money difficulties. If you are having money worries you shouldn't view these reports as something awful, instead they can help you restore your financial health. It's always a good idea to be equipped with as much information as possible so that you can deal with everything that is needed.
In the U.S. these reports are kept by these three credit report agencies - Equifax, Experian and Transunion.
In your credit report you will find details of your financial history going back many years. It will include details of car loans, credit cards and home loans. If you have been late in paying any loans these details will be here too along with how late you were. On your report you will also find current and past addresses along with phone number and social security number.
This is the exact same info the lenders have however you may not realize it now, but errors might be on your credit reports. This is one of the reasons why it's so important to know what they contain.
You may have paid off a loan some time ago but they are still listed as current. Or you may have cancelled a credit card but it's still showing up. These details should be accurate but sometimes errors can occur. Even banks make mistakes.
You may be blissfully unaware of what errors are on your reports so the only way to sort these errors out is by requesting copies from each of the three agencies. If you do spot any errors make sure you look for proof and send a copy to the agency requesting that they update their records.
Online social networks such as MySpace and Facebook have become highly popular in recent years. The problem is that they are being used by scammers who use the info you include on your profile to steal your identity. By requesting a credit report you'll be able to identify any odd behaviour.
Because of legislation, a free copy can be obtained per year. You can make a request by filling out a form online or by phone.
Luckily having this information gives you the ability to create a debt-free plan for your future. You may feel like hiding under your duvet and ignoring your credit reports but it doesn't do you any favors in the long term.
Both Todd Disraeli & April Kerr are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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