Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act was enacted in 1971. This act states that if you have been denied credit, the merchant that denied you credit must tell you the reason why.

Different Types of Credit Scores

Lenders use a number of different credit scoring programs to determine what kind of risk you are. The best-known credit-scoring program is FICO.

How Can I Establish-or Rebuild-Good Credit 

If you do not have a well-established credit history, you should begin to build one. The trick is to start small: try applying for credit with a local business, such as a department store or a local bank or credit union. These local merchants may have lower credit standards than larger lenders.

What's Not In Your Report

A list of what you will not and should not find on your credit report. Certain pieces of personal information cannot be in your credit report.

Adverse Credit Information

How long the bad information lasts on your report. This easy to read table shows you helpful information.