 TITLE: What Is a Credit Report? CONTENT: Why Is Your Credit Report Important?\n------------------------------------\nThe data in your credit report is the raw material used to create credit scores, important numbers that can have a big financial impact on your life.\nIf your credit report shows a long history of on-time payments, it may mean you have higher credit scores, which will help you get credit cards and loans on more favorable terms. Conversely, late payments, bankruptcy and similar marks on your credit reports can lead to lower credit scores and make it harder for you to get approved for credit cards and loans, or cause a lender to charge a higher interest rate.\nIn addition, a credit report can reveal unauthorized credit activity associated with identity theft. Credit inquiries and new loan or credit accounts you're unaware of can indicate fraudulent activity. Reviewing your credit reports regularly can help you detect suspicious activity and resolve it more quickly. END