Helen Hecker asked:


Assuming you already have a copy of your annual credit report you may have already found some errors that should be removed. Errors should always be a big concern because they can and probably have affected your credit score, also called a FICO. You can repair your credit with a little bit of help.

It may seem like a lot of work but it’s really easy. The hardest part is actually sitting down to do it. You’ll need to check all three credit bureaus to make sure the same error isn’t on all three but if you just have one credit report, start with that one.

First make a list of any and all errors that you find on your personal credit report. These could be in the form of personal information such as birth date or more likely there will be information that you know not to be true such as late payments or no payments recorded etc. If you think there is any possibility that you could be wrong check your past history with the creditor in question first.

You want to make sure you are right before you make the request to have any information removed from your credit report.

You will be sending the letter only to the credit bureau mentioned on the report, which would be Esperian, Equifax or TransUnion. You don’t want to sound angry in the letter, just be matter-of-fact, straightforward and business-like. Just outline the facts – name of creditor, dates, and the error(s) or problem(s) you’re finding on the credit report.

Here is a sample letter:

Date:

To whom it may concern at Esperian (or other credit bureau):

I recently acquired a copy of my credit report and found some errors that I’d like to dispute. I am enclosing documentation to prove the information is incorrect and would like a correction. I value my good standing and good credit history and want to maintain a good credit rating and credit score.

Name the creditor along with the reference date including the month, day and year if possible.

The error(s) I have found are:

I’m including copies of my payment record, with a (cancelled check or online payment print-outs or any other documentation that you have).
I would appreciate any attention to the matter as I would like my credit report to be accurate. I’m sure you understand that credit bureaus need to include only information that is accurate in my file.

Thank you for taking a look at my letter and file and hopefully making the necessary corrections so I can continue to maintain my good credit standing. Please let me know that my file has been reviewed and what action has been taken. I would also like a copy of my corrected credit report sent to the enclosed address. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Besides your full name as shown on the report, include you mailing address, a copy of the report that you have, your social security number, driver’s license photocopy and any other documentation such as a cancelled check or online payment confirmations.

Make a copy of the letter for yourself and a copy of any enclosures with the letter. Send the dispute letter by certified mail with a ‘return receipt’ requested. Then make sure to get the free credit reports from the other two main credit bureaus or reporting agencies to make sure they don’t have the same incorrect information. You can get free instant credit reports from the other two online.

David Faulkner asked:


Your free credit report supplies you with all the necessary information you need to know about your personal credit history. You can request your credit report personally and receive the information online. Without much effort and a small amount of time, you can request a “free copy of my credit report” from an online service.

The website Annual Credit Report allows you, the consumer to review your free credit report once a year. If you do not have access to a computer, you can request a credit report by filling out the information available from the FTC and sending it to the address provided for Annual Credit Report.

The three top credit agencies that you receive a credit report from are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. These credit-reporting agencies have all your personal information as well as your credit history and your credit score. All the reports come as one request per year. If you decide to ask each credit agency separately in writing for this information, without using Annual Credit Report services, you have to pay a fee for the credit report.

If you have received a denial on a loan or credit card, a job or an insurance policy, you can still receive a credit report free from the credit agencies without payment. This has been a ruling for years and this free service does not affect that option. Because your credit report is free, viewing it once a year prevents any problems down the road from fraudulent claims or identity theft as well.

Obtaining a free credit report online is done by visiting the website and checking “free copy of my credit report” then submitting your information. This is a free credit report without a credit card. Annual Credit Report does not charge to view your credit report like some sites. It is hassle free and quick with no payment needed, unless you request your credit score, which is a different type of credit history.

Since your credit report supplies creditors with information on your payment history, how much credit you have taken out and still have or have paid off, you want to stay on top of the credit report to catch any errors that may occur. The report also get creditors see how many times you applied for credit and been denied or approved. Because of this reporting process, you may find some applications that you never knew about. For more info see http://www.creditscorereportguide.org/No_Credit_Check_Loans on slow payment history.

Get your free credit report today from Annual Credit Report and see what your credit history says about you and your finances. Do not get turned down for a loan or a job because you had no idea that your credit report stated something less than satisfactory.

Eden asked:


It seems that no matter how much money you make if you have bad credit you may end up on the street. Is there any way to get around this? Assume there’s no co-signer. Are there any places in the ‘408′ someone knows about where they look at references instead? Thanks to anyone who can help.