le or has requested your report over the last six months. Reports you receive must also include the identity of all such inquiries. Inquiries related to pre-approved offers, as well as your own inquiries, are not available to credit grantors. However, they are included in credit reports that you order for yourself.
For a guide to understanding how to read your credit report, see "The Ultimate Credit Report Cheat Sheet".
For information about other types of consumer reports, read our other guides:
Can a credit reporting agency deny my application for credit?
CRAs do not make decisions regarding a consumer's creditworthiness. Rather, the CRA compiles reports of what your file contains and passes that along to the potential credit grantor. Credit decisions are, in fact, generally made based upon a number of factors that comprise a "score." Inquiries made in connection with your applications for credit may also be a factor in your score. If, for example, you have applied for several credit cards or loans in a short period of time, this may result in a lower score. Inquiries made in connection with pre-approved credit offers or those you make yourself do not result in a reduced score.
Is there anything that cannot be in my credit report? How long can information be reported?
Certain pieces of personal information cannot be in your credit report:
- Medical information (unless you give your consent).
- Notice of bankruptcy (Chapter 11) that is more than 10 years old.
- Debts (including delinquent child support payments) that are more than seven years old. Age, marital status, or race (if the request is from a current or prospective employer).
Certain kinds of information may remain on your report indefinitely. If, for example, you are applying for credit, insurance or employment above the dollar limits noted below, information can be reported beyond the usual seven- to 10-year deadlines.
- A credit transaction involving, or which may be expected to involve, an amount of $150,000 or more. Information about a job with a salary of more than $75,000. An application for credit or life insurance for more than $150,000. Tax liens that are not paid.
For additional information on the length of time that negative information can remain on your credit report, read the "Ask Max" section of the Experian web site, www.experian.com/ask_max/deleting_information.html .
3. Accessing the Credit Report: Who Can See What?
How Can I Get a Copy?
Who has access to my report?
Anyone with a legitimate business need can gain access to your credit history, including:
- Those considering granting you credit.
- Insurance companies.
- Employers and potential employers (but only with your consent).
- Companies with which you have a credit account for account monitoring purposes. Those considering your application for a government license or benefit if the agency is required to consider your financial status. A state or local child support enforcement agency. Any government agency (limited usually to your name, address, former addresses, current and former employers).
Generally, only an employer or prospective employer needs your written consent to obtain a report. An exception is Vermont where any user needs your oral or written consent. In practice, most potential creditors ask for your permission to review your report. Your permission is not required when inquiries are made in connection with a pre-approved credit offer.
Can I find out what is in my credit report?
Absolutely. Your right of access is mandated by federal and state laws. We strongly recommend that you review your credit reports on a regular basis in order to check for accuracy, especially in this age of rampant identity theft.
Credit reports are used to make a number of critical decisions that go far beyond your ability to obtain credit cards and loans. These include renting an apartment, seeking employment, and obtaining insurance. You will want to make sure that your credit reports are accurate and up to date.
Free Annual Credit Reports.
Consumers can get a free copy of their credit report o