Credit Reports & Credit Scores
                   Do You Have The Credit You Need ?

Your credit report is a statement of your financial status. Whether you are applying for a loan or looking for employment, your credit card will be taken into consideration. Your credit report is compiled by any of the three nationwide companies: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. A report of all your financial transactions and to whom you owe money is made to these companies by information provider companies - such as banks, insurers, creditors and employers. Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) provide you with a free annual copy of your credit report. CRAs also sell it to employers, banks, insurance companies, and others. Your future financial transactions, therefore, depend completely on your credit report. In this scenario, it becomes imperative that any errors in it must be fixed immediately. For example, most landlords will consider your credit rating before leasing you an apartment. A negative report will, in this case, become a hurdle in your renting an apartment. A negative report also means that you will have to pay higher premiums for any insurance policies you might wish to purchase. The same holds true for obtaining loans also. There are fewer chances of being granted a loan. Even if you are granted one, you will have to pay higher interest rates. A negative report also affects your chances for finding suitable employment. This is because employers can access your credit report and if found negative, you not get the opening. Even if you are employed, a negative report can affect your career adversely. This is because you can be denied further promotions. Apart from these, a correct credit card report protects you from identity theft. This happens when a person gains access to your personal information and opens new credit card accounts using your credit card number and social security number. When you don’t pay the bills, it will be reported to the CRAs, who will in turn mention it in your credit card report. If such a situation arises, you need to get the problem fixed immediately. Keeping this in mind, you must make sure that the information in your credit card report is accurate, complete and up-to-date.