National credit reporting agencies

The three major national credit reporting agencies compile and keep your credit report.

Your credit report is your personal credit payment history. Lenders use it to decide whether to lend you money and at what interest rate.

Credit reporting agencies (also called credit bureaus) compile this information from credit card issuers, mortgage holders, banks, and even retail stores that offer credit for purchases.

Your credit report shows your address, Social Security number, date of birth, how much you borrowed through credit cards or any other types of loans including student loans, and whether or not you repay your debts on time.

You can request a copy of your credit report from these agencies:

Equifax
Information Service Center
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
(800) 685-1111

Experian
National Consumer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 949
Allen, TX 75013-0949
(888) 397-3742

TransUnion
Consumer Relations
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
(800) 916-8800

Tips

Read Sallie Mae's tips on the ins and outs of your credit score.

Do you know these 10 rules of smart credit management?


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