Credit Report
Definition of "Credit Report"
A credit report contains detailed information regarding the relationship history of an individual with several financial institutions.
How do I get a Credit Report?
You ask a credit bureau. There are several around – especially ever since the world became so digital.
How much does a Credit Report cost?
It depends on the credit bureau reporting, but, by law, they cannot charge more than $12 for it. When they do, it usually is in a form of a "bundle", providing you with other services.
Can I get a free credit report?
Yes. Everyone is allowed to ask for a free credit report once every 12 months to one of the 3 nationwide credit bureaus. Call the Annual Credit Report Request Service at 1-877-322-8228 for more information.
You can also request an additional free credit report if:
- You’ve just been a victim of fraud or identity theft
- You are currently receiving public welfare assistance
- You are currently unemployed (willing to apply for employment within the next 60 days)
- Your credit history was the alleged reason for the denial of an insurance policy, or for the loss of an employment opportunity or even for the denial of a credit expansion
What’s in a credit report?
It can vary from agency to agency, but typically it contains personal information like Social Security number, current and past address(es), employment history, financial information like bill payment history, loans, current debt and even criminal history. Lastly, it also shows all the companies that have requested the individual’s file and the date those requests were made.
Why does it exist?
Its main function is to help lenders decide if they will approve a loan for a specific individual. In case they do, it acts as the basis to determine the interest rates they will charge for the loan. It also serves as a way to prospective insurers, employers and rental property owners to get a better feel regarding that individual’s payment history/financial responsibilities.
Real Estate Tips
Look for more terms on our Glossary and improve your language score!
Or access The OFFICIAL Real Estate Agent Directory® and let an agent go through all the hassle on your behalf.
Popular Mortgage Terms
A documentation option where the applicant's income is disclosed and verified but not used in qualifying the borrower. The conventional maximum ratios of expense to income are not ...
Insurance provided the lender against loss on a mortgage in the event of borrower default. In the U.S., all FHA and VA mortgages are insured by the federal government. On other mortgages, ...
The option to convert an ARM to an FRM at some point during its life. ...
A mortgage on which half the monthly payment is paid twice a month. It should be called a 'semi-monthly mortgage' but market practice often trumps logic. In contrast to a biweekly, a ...
The period between payment changes on an ARM, which may or may not be the same as the interest rate adjustment period. ...
A fee that some lenders charge to accept an application. It may or may not cover other costs such as a property appraisal or credit report, and it may or may not be refundable if the lender ...
The month in which a zero loan balance is reached. The payoff month may or may not be the loan term. ...
The form that lists the settlement charges the borrower must pay at closing, which the lender is obliged to provide the borrower within three business days of receiving the loan application. ...
A borrower who must use tax returns to document income rather than information provided by an employer. ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.