 TITLE: Should I Add a Consumer Statement to My Credit Report Due to COVID-19? CONTENT: What Is a Consumer Statement?\n-----------------------------\nConsumer statements can be added to your credit report at your request through each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax). These statements are generally limited to pre-written options or up to 100 words you write yourself.\nThe reason you'd normally add a consumer statement to your credit reports would be to explain your side of the story as it pertains to entries on your credit reports. Potential lenders will see the statement when reviewing your credit report, and it may help them better understand any extenuating circumstances that led to late or missed payments. There's a chance they may take these statements into account when deciding whether to extend credit to you.\nYou can do this any time, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may present a new reason to add a statement to your credit reports if it has caused you to get behind on payments. END