A credit reporting agency is a portal for all consumer data. Data on consumers are kept in databases until it’s requested by an individual, company or other entity that has the power to do so. When this request happens, information stored at these agencies can be looked up and compiled into what people know as their “credit report.”‘
The data is always there but the credit report does not really exist until it’s requested. When a lender, credit card company or other authorized party requests to see your history, they get an extensive look into what you’ve done with money in the past and how good of at managing that debt has been. Your history will show up on your reports once these agencies compile all this information from their records databases- which are almost never incorrect about whether someone actually pays back loans as promised!
When an individual takes out a loan or applies for credit, the lender will ask to see their credit report. This is done through one of three different agencies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. These companies compile all your financial information in order to provide you with a score that helps assess how likely you are to pay on time each month (the higher the number). The data they gather includes any late payments from previous loans as well as criminal records which can impact your future applications for loans or mortgages too!
Credit reporting agencies are a vital and integral part of the US economy. They provide credit reports for businesses to assess their risk when determining whether or not they should extend services, as well as individuals wishing to buy homes, cars, etc. There are three major national credit reporting agencies: Experian (headquartered in Ireland), TransUnion (headquartered in Chicago) and Equifax (US-based). These three big boys have had many years of experience; there is no need to start from scratch!
A large majority of credit data is supplied voluntarily by the lenders and companies that issue these cards. For example, a small or regional credit union will not have its information in a report because they are under no obligation to share their customer’s loans with other agencies.
With so many different agencies acting as middlemen, it’s hard to tell if you’re seeing the whole picture.
-Thousands of creditors, lenders and other businesses send credit information and updates on a monthly basis which can sometimes get lost in translation between two separate companies with conflicting interests; making transparency difficult for those who need access to their data.
