Credit reports and scores basics

Why are some of my debts not showing up on my credit report?

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

What are specialty consumer reporting agencies and what kind of information do they collect?

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

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

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

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

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

Why do I need a credit history?

What are some ways to start or rebuild a good credit history?

When can a credit card company look at my credit reports?

What is a credit report?

What do I do if I’ve been a victim of identity theft?

When should I review my credit report?

What are common credit report errors that I should look for on my credit report?

How do I dispute an error on my credit report?

Where can I get my credit scores?

How do I get and keep a good credit score?

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

Will a lender getting a copy of my credit report affect my score?

When will my lender run or obtain a copy of my credit report?

How long does negative information remain on my credit report?

Will my credit score be damaged by card issuers getting my name from a credit reporting agency and sending me an offer?

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