Learn How Credit Report Companies Obtain Your Payment History

There are a variety of credit report companies that operate in similar ways. The house a database that has information about any consumer in regards to credit and other important details about how an individual's finances are handled. They collect information that many businesses buy to learn if a person is credit worthy. Here is what you can expect from credit report companies and how they work.

There are three top, major credit report companies that are heavily used by businesses. Some companies report your payment history and reports to all three and some companies only deal with one of the three. If you are ever looking at your credit report, it is a good idea to look at what all three companies have.

Many creditors are subscribers to one of the credit report companies. If you apply for a loan, in most cases a credit bureau report is pulled to see who you owe, how much you owe, and how you pay lenders. Typically if you make your payments on time, you will maintain a good credit rating. Creditors report your payment history as well.

These credit reporting company's use a calculation to produce your credit score. If you have applied for a loan online, you may have been asked what category your credit falls into. You will probably see excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor as being an option to select. What is contained in your credit bureau report will determine the category you fall within.

What many people don't know is that even if you have paid your debts to your lenders on time having never missed a payment and have strong payment patterns, other things can effect or lower your score. If you have too much credit, it may look unfavorable as in the eyes of lenders, you may be over extending yourself.

To keep a favorable credit score it's a good idea to pay off debt as fast as you can. In many cases with a subscription you can view it online anytime you would like to. Once you subscribe, they will also send you alerts to let you know if your credit report changed or if anything new has been reported.

If you identify errors, they are prompt in helping you get the record straight. Knowing what's in your report is a good place to start in getting to know and understand the credit report companies.