Credit Help Contents

Credit Scoring

Basic Credit Repair ?

Adding Positive Credit History

FCRA Basics

FCRA Debt Collection Practices Basics

How to Get Started

How to Identify Negative Information

Contact Information

How to get started

Your first step is to obtain a credit report from the 3 Major Credit Reporting Agencies.

·        Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com, obtain all three bureau reports.

 If you do not have internet access you can request copies of your credit report from the three major Credit Reporting Agencies, (CRA’s): Equifax, Experian and Trans-Union.

Rates vary among all different CRA’s, and also from state to state. Typically, each credit report costs less than $9.50. You should call each CRA to confirm the exact cost of the report before sending any money. Use contact information described on page 12 and below.

Once you determine the cost of the report, send Letter #1(Request for Copy of Credit Report) to Equifax, Experian, & Trans-Union, along with your check or money order.

 If you have been denied for any credit within the last 60 days based on your credit report, you are legally entitled to a copy free of charge. Send Letter #2 (Request for free copy of credit report) instead.  It is important you receive reports from all three CRA’s.  It is also important to include in your letter of request photocopies of your Drivers license, statements of account, or utility bills that show your name and billing address clearly.

Send each letter certified mail/return receipt and wait for a response.

Send your Letter of Request to each of the following CRA addresses:

Equifax:

Equifax Information Services LLC

Post Office Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30374 (Tel: 800-797-6987)

Experian:

Experian Post Office Box 2104

Allen, TX 75013 (Tel: 800-397-3742)

Trans-Union:

Trans-Union Post Office Box 1000

Chester, PA 19022 (Tel: 800-888-4213)

Be persistent and do not give up if a creditor does verify that the questioned account is indeed accurate. You have the right to question the accuracy of your report as frequently as you feel necessary, and every letter* must be responded to.

Keep a record of all letters sent and responses received in the log on pages 35-38.

Analyzing the three credit reports

Highlight and make a separate list of any negative information you may find.

Remember: You will challenge every negative account you find with the letter* that corresponds to your own unique situation.

You will probably see an improvement on your credit report immediately. In most cases creditors will not take the time or have the information to verify or respond to your challenges.