Three Credit Bureau Reports

Each of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, can provide people with their three-bureau credit reports for a fee. If you believe your credit has been damaged unfairly, you will need to write letters to all three bureaus and reference their specific reports. It's a good idea to purchase the three reports at once rather than purchasing just one.

Some companies offer the reports completely free, because they want you sign up for their credit protector services. These businesses claim they will inform you any time a change has been made to your bureau reports. Their main selling point is protection from identity theft, which has become a serious concern among people who make purchases on the Internet.

Using the Three Credit Bureau Reports

Each bureau uses a different formula to calculate your credit score, so it's possible to have average credit according to one bureau and good credit with another. If you purchase the three credit bureau reports from a company that specializes in credit repair, the report you receive will most likely provide explanations on why your scores are either high or low. It will also provide tips on how to improve your credit rating.

If all three bureaus report perfect credit, you have nothing more to do other than continue to pay bills on time. However, if you see a delinquent account that does not look familiar to you, you might be the victim of credit card fraud. Call the creditor immediately (the reports will include phone numbers), explain your problem, and they will launch an investigation and respond to you in writing. Keep copies of all written correspondence as proof for the bureaus. The three credit reports will not help unless you take action. Be assertive and continue to follow through until any mistakes have been cleared.