Credit Reporting Agencies and Credit Bureaus

There are three major credit bureau agencies (Experian, Trans Union and Equifax). All agencies may have different information about a consumer. To compare and check all your credit files from all the top agencies, here is their address:

Experian
P.O. Box 2002,
Allen, TX 75013
(888) EXPERIAN (397-3742)

Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
(800) 916-8800

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
(800) 685-1111

After you obtain a copy of your credit report, the first step to managing your finances begins with noting any discrepancies. Then, protect your rights under the FCRA Act by contacting the source of the erroneous information and the credit reporting agency by writing a letter. Sample Dispute Letter

Facts about Accurate but Negative Credit Report Information

There are scenarios where negative information may be accurate. Unfortunately, there is a general period of time that the information must remain on a credit report. Usually, the time limit is seven months; however the following list details the exceptions:

1. Any information regarding criminal convictions may be reported for an unlimited time span.
2. Any credit information provided as a response to an application for a salary position worth over $75,000 does not have a time limit.
3. Bankruptcy information can remain on a report up to ten years or more.
4. All credit information reported as a result of an application worth over $150,000 of credit or life insurance does not have a limit.
5. Any unpaid judgments or lawsuits have a credit report life of seven years or more -- until the statute of limitations has expired (whichever is longer).

In summation, despite negative accurate information, paying your bills on time and correcting any errors is a good way to manage your finances for a better credit rating.

Holly Bentz is a finance writer and a contributor to About Personal Loans. About-Personal-Loans.com  © About-Personal-Loans.com. All rights reserved.