• Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Home & Garden
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
  • Video
  • Shows
  • Blogs
  • Quizzes
  • Games
  • Random Article
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Jobs
  • Personal Finance
  • Home > 
  • Money > 
  • Personal Finance > 
  • Credit & Debt Management

by Lee Ann Obringer

Print
Cite This!
Close 
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Obringer, Lee Ann.  "How Credit Reports Work"  11 July 2002.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/debt-management/credit-report.htm>  11 February 2012.
Cite
Feedback

What's the real story?

Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Videos »
Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Videos »
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Credit Reports Work
  2. Credit Reports Yesterday and Today
  3. How Credit Bureaus Get Information
  1. How Lenders Interpret Your Credit Report
  2. Access to Credit Reports
  3. Fixing Errors on a Credit Report
  4. See more »
    1. Lots More Information
    2. See all Credit & Debt Management articles

Lots More Information

Related Articles

  • How Credit Scores Work
  • How Credit Cards Work
  • How Mortgages Work
  • How Banks Work
  • How Bankruptcy Works
  • Quiz Corner: Credit Score Quiz

More Great Links

  • Equifax
  • Experian
  • TransUnion
  • AnnualCreditReport.com
  • ClarkHoward.com: Credit Issues
Previous Page

Money Makes the World Go 'Round

10 Things You Should Buy in Bulk
10 Things You Should Buy in Bulk
Fact or Fiction: Hidden Bank Fees
Fact or Fiction: Hidden Bank Fees
10 Recession-proof Businesses
10 Recession-proof Businesses
10 Most Stressful Jobs in America
10 Most Stressful Jobs in America
Quiz: Building Your Nest Egg
Quiz: Building Your Nest Egg
Watch retirement videos »

You Might Also Like

How Debt Consolidation Works

Life without debt sounds good. Can debt consolidation, or taking out one new loan to pay off all your other loans, help you reach that lofty financial goal?

How the FAFSA Works

Getting into college sure is exciting -- until you start figuring out how to pay for it. Your financial aid journey begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; college students know this fearsome form as the FAFSA.

Popular Articles

  • Glam up Your Galley (Without Going Broke!)
  • 5 Tips on Finding Great Online Shopping Deals
  • The Ultimate Do You Really Need a Bank Account Quiz
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Credit Reports Work
  2. Credit Reports Yesterday and Today
  3. How Credit Bureaus Get Information
  4. How Lenders Interpret Your Credit Report
  1. Access to Credit Reports
  2. Fixing Errors on a Credit Report
  3. Lots More Information
  4. See all Credit & Debt Management articles
Previous Page

Money-saving Tips from Frugal Mama

FPO
  • Frugal Mama Makeover Series
  • Saving Big on Groceries
  • Home Renovations On A Tight Budget
  • Low-Cost, Thoughtful Gift Giving Tips
  • How An Expanding Family Can Trim Costs
  • Learn more frugal living tips»

New HSW Games

FPO
  • Memory Matrix
  • Volcano Explorer
  • Cannon Challenge
  • Raindrops
  • Color Match
  • Crab Fishing Game

Related Content

Prices: Books

  • Financial Privacy: An International Comparison of Credit Reporting Systems (Contributions to Economics)
    Financial Privacy: An International Comparison of Credit Reporting Systems (Contributions to Economics)

    In this updated edition, author Nicola Jentzsch provides an in-depth analysis of the economics and regulation of financial privacy. You get a comparative overview of credit reporting systems in the US and in the 27 member states of the European Union. This is the "most in-depth study of the history and economics of credit reporting to date," according to David Medine, former Associate Director of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

    $75.00

  • Credit Repair
    Credit Repair

    Perhaps you've had problems with credit. Or perhaps you haven't, but your credit report says you did anyway – nearly 70 percent of credit reports contain errors. Either way, a lessthanflattering report can hurt your chances of qualifying for a credit card, mortgage or any other kind of loan – it can even get in the way of renting an apartment or finding a job.But a bad credit report can almost always be improved or corrected. In plain English, Credit Repair shows you how to fix your credit situation quickly, easily and legally. Learn how to: avoid overspending establish a realistic budget get out of debt now build a financial cushion read and understand your credit report get mistakes on your credit report fixed protect your social security number avoid credit discrimination get positive information added to your credit report negotiate with creditors This edition provides new information about your liability when your credit card is used without your permission, and how to close a credit card account properly. It also includes sample credit reports and lists of agencies and organizations to turn to for additional help.

    $16.49

  • Credit Repair
    Credit Repair

    Credit problems? Get the acclaimed plain-English guide to fixing your credit report! Nearly 80 percent of credit reports contain errors. In a tough economy when credit is tight, you need to be certain that your financial records are correct and up-to-date. A less-than-flattering report can hurt your chances of qualifying for credit card, loans, renting an apartment or even finding a job. But a bad credit report can almost always be improved or corrected. Credit Repair shows you how to fix your credit situation quickly and easily, explaining the necessary steps in plain English. Learn how to: avoid overspending establish a realistic budget get out of debt now build a financial cushion read and understand your credit report get mistakes on your credit report fixed protect your social security number avoid credit discrimination get positive information added to your credit report negotiate with creditors Credit Repair includes dozens of forms and letters on CD-ROM that will help you spruce up your credit report as easily as possible! The 9th edition has been completely updated to reflect the latest changes in the law, including the new rules for the HOPE for Homeowners Act, and additional information and forms that will help you regain your good name should your identity ever be stolen. (20080202)

    $22.49

HOWSTUFFWORKS
  • Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Home & Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
MORE STUFF
  • Blogs
  • Games
  • HSW Tools
  • RSS
  • Maps
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Newsletters
  • Video
OUR WEBSITES
  • Animal Planet
  • Consumer Guide Auto
  • Consumer Guide Products
  • Discovery Channel
  • Discovery Fit & Health
  • HSW Brazil
  • HSW China HowStuffWorks China
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Planet Green
  • Science Channel
  • TLC
  • Discovery Education
  • Store
CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Help
CORPORATE
  • About Us
  • Careers @ Discovery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Visitor Agreement
TAKE US WITH YOU
FOLLOW US
© 1998-2012 HowStuffWorks, Inc