Credit

Credit Report Errors: How To Fix Them And Avoid Problems In The Future

Credit reports are used to help people access loans, mortgages, car loans and credit cards. With the help of credit reports, borrowers can decide if they want to take out a loan or if it would be wise to wait for a better deal. However, there is always the chance that your credit report may have errors that could cause you problems. Here are some ways to fix errors on your credit report in order to avoid potential financial problems in the future.

 What is a credit report?

A credit report is a compilation of information about you and your financial history. It includes all the people who are owed money from you, how much you owe them, when the payment is due to them and how long it will take to pay them off.

 What do errors on your credit report mean?

Generally, an error on your credit report means that there was a mistake that the company was not able to fix. Errors can be anything from incorrectly entered information or missing information. These errors may have been caused by human error or computer error.

 What to do if you have errors on your credit report

If you notice errors on your credit report, then you should contact the credit bureau that issued it. This can be done by filling out a dispute form or by calling the credit bureau directly.

You should also consider contacting the creditor or company that made the error. If you have an error on your credit report, then it’s possible that there was a mistake made in recording your information at a different company’s database. If you find an error and speak to the creditor, they may be able to fix it for free with no further action required from you. 

How to fix errors on your credit report

You will first want to check your credit report for errors. You should be able to see a list of all the potential errors in your report by going to AnnualCreditReport.com and requesting a copy of your credit report. Once you are able to find this, you will be able to review it and see what you need to do in order to fix them. It is important that you take immediate action on the information provided because the longer you wait the more your credit score may be affected.

If none of the above works, then you may want to initiate the process of credit repair. This can be done either in a DIY manner or through the services of a reputable credit repair company. Regardless of which method you choose, you should be able to fix the errors on your credit report through credit repair.

 Preventing future errors on your credit report

If you want to keep your credit report clean and error-free, it’s important for you to check your credit report at least once a year. It is also important that you check it with the bureau that has jurisdiction over your state. If something isn’t accurate on your credit report, it may be costing you money in the future

 Conclusion

A credit report is an essential tool for anyone looking to obtain a loan or lease, buy a house, or even find a job. It also helps lenders to make sure you are not a credit risk. It can provide great insight into your financial habits which is why it’s so important to be mindful of what errors you might have on your credit report.

This infographic was created by Stein Saks, credit reporting errors