Credit reports and scores basics

Do I have to pay for my credit score?

Do auto and homeowners insurance companies share my information about claims and policies?

Do joint credit card accounts with my spouse affect my credit score?

Does my history of paying utility bills, like telephone, cable, electricity, or water, go in my credit report?

How can I contact the nationwide credit reporting companies with general inquiries?

How can I find out what’s in my medical payment history?

How can I find out who has accessed my credit report?

How do I dispute an error on my credit report?

How do I get a free copy of my credit reports?

How do I get and keep a good credit score?

How do credit reporting companies get my information?

How does my credit score affect my ability to get a mortgage loan?

How long does information about me stay on my consumer report?

How long does it take to get my free credit report after I order it?

How long does negative information remain on my credit report?

I don't recognize the name of a creditor listed on my credit report. Should I dispute this listing?

I tried to check my credit report online, but the site wanted to charge me a fee or get me to sign up for other services. Aren't credit reports free?

If I dispute a debt, how does that show up on my credit report?

If a credit reporting error is corrected, how long will it take before I find out the results?

If my spouse has a bad credit score, does it affect my credit score?

Is it possible to remove accurate, negative information from my credit report?

My bank or credit union closed my checking account. Will this hurt my credit?

My credit card statement now has a credit score. What does this mean?

Should I request credit reports for my children?

Should I use a credit monitoring service to protect myself from identity theft?