If You Are Denied Credit Because Of Something In Your Credit Report

The lender or organization who denied you credit must give you the name and address of the credit bureau that produced the credit report. Then, you have up to 30 days to request a free copy of your report.

The credit bureau must tell you the nature and substance of all information contained in your report. It must also tell you the sources of the information and who has received your report for the previous six months (two years for reports furnished for employment purposes).

To process your request, you will need to provide specific information, such as your name, current and previous addresses, telephone number, social security number, and date of birth. Also, to verify your identity, other information such as a copy of your driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement may be required. Keep in mind that the three large bureaus do not necessarily share information with each other. The content of your credit report can be different at each bureau, so it’s a good idea to request copies from each one.

To contact the three major credit bureaus:

Late and missed payments will show up on your credit report and hurt your chances of being approved for credit, life insurance, or employment. To find out about organizations in your area that help consumers solve credit problems and create a budget, contact the National Foundation for Consumer Credit at (800) 388-2227. Spanish speakers can call (800) 682-9832.

Additional information on improving a credit rating can be found in “How to Establish, Use, and Protect Your Credit,” a brochure by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

Your FICO score is so important you should also consider professional credit counseling.