Financial Advice

Understand Your Credit

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Ordering Your Credit Report

How can I get a copy of my credit report?

There are three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Your credit history and credit score may vary from agency to agency. This is due in part to the fact that not all lenders report their credit histories to all three agencies. It is important that you check all three agencies periodically to be sure that you get a complete picture of credit. Mortgage lenders, for example, will pull your credit history and credit scores from all three agencies to be sure they capture all your open and closed trade lines. When you check your credit, let them know if any items on the report are inaccurate. Without charge, they will investigate any information you question as inaccurate and send you the results within 30 days. If you have been denied credit, you are entitled to a free copy of the credit report that was used in evaluating your credit. Information on how to obtain this report should be printed on the denial notice you receive.

UFCU has partnered with myfico.com. Through myfico.com, you can get a copy of your credit report, including your credit score online (visit their website for pricing information). Their site is maintained by Fair Isaacs and Co., the developer of the credit scoring system. Visit their site for more details.

In addition, recent amendments to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act entitle you to receive one free credit file disclosure (but not your credit score) every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This free credit file can be requested by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or you may call or write:

Equifax, Inc.
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
(800) 685-1111
www.equifax.com

Experian
National Consumer Assistance
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013-2104
(888) 397-3742
www.experian.com

Trans Union LLC
Consumer Disclosure Center
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
(800) 916-8800
www.transunion.com