TransUnion Credit Report - www.transunion.com
Written: Mar 17 '02
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Pros: Simple to order, view and understand
Cons: N/A
The Bottom Line: It is extremely important to check ALL of your credit reports at least once a year to make sure they are accurate.
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| khahn86351's Full Review: Trans Union |
TransUnion Credit Report
Basic Credit Information
The three major credit reporting agencies are Trans Union, Equifax & Experian/TRW. Not all creditors report to all 3.
All Public Records, Tax Liens, & Discharged Bankruptcy may appear on your credit report for up to 7 years. Any Bankruptcy information will remain on your report for 10 years from the date of filing, and UNPAID Tax Liens may be reported indefinitely.
This is one of the many reasons why it is extremely important to check ALL 3 once a year to make sure your credit reports are correct.
TransUnion can be contacted several ways:
Via Phone:
1-800-916-8800
Business Hours are 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. EST, Monday thru Friday, Excluding Holidays
Via Mail:
Trans Union Consumer Relations
PO Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022-2000
Via Email through their Website: www.transunion.com
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What to expect on your TransUnion Report via MAIL:
The first page of your report will contain your name, address, former addresses and employment data reported to TransUnion. Also listed is your TransUnion file number, report date, social security number, date of birth, date you first entered TransUnion’s files, other alias’s, phone number and TransUnion contact information. If you have requested an investigation, the results will also be listed on the first page.
Your Credit Information:
The following pages will show items that have been reported to your TransUnion credit report. It will start with any public records, followed by accounts that contain adverse information, and accounts with no adverse information.
Each account listed will include the creditors name, date the account was opened, date it last reported to TransUnion, balance, most owed, past due amount, type and lastly the status of the account. TransUnion places brackets around adverse information to help you understand your report. Potential creditors do not see the brackets though.
Inquiries:
When companies receive your credit report, it appears as an ”inquiry” on your credit report. TransUnion will keep all inquiries on record for 2 years. Also, when you request a copy of your report, it will appear in this section as: TU CONSUMER DISCLOSURE. These inquiries are not be seen by any potential creditors, just the consumer. TOO MANY inquiries will lower your credit score.
Requests Viewed By You:
Examples of this include any creditors who want to offer you credit or insurance. These requests are ONLY SEEN BY YOU, not potential creditors, and have no effect on your credit score.
Consumer Statement Section & Special Message:
If you have disputed an account, yet the problem has not been resolved, you may submit a statement or message that will be added to your credit report. These statements will be seen by potential creditors and may help explain any negative information contained within your report.
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What to expect on your TransUnion Report via WWW.TRANSUNION.COM:
The set up is exactly the same via TransUnion’s Website as is via mail. The only difference is you are able to view your personal credit score via the Website. When you request your credit report via TransUnion’s Website, your will have to register. You will be given a User Id, Password and File Identification Number (FIN). The site asks you personal information such as your social security number, date of birth, address, ect. This is all done via a secure server. If you are not eligible for a free report, expect to pay $9.00 for your credit report & score. Now you will be able to view and print your report and score online, or have it sent to your home via mail. If you feel there is incorrect information in your report, you can request an investigation online or via mail as well.
TransUnion Personal Credit Score
A credit score is a computer generated mathematical calculation of the information, which appears in a credit report. It represents your credit worthiness as a number or numerical value. The credit score is based on data about your credit history and payment behavior. Credit scores are used to assist a lender in determining the level of risk associated with granting you a loan.
The above explanation was taken directly from TransUnion. Basically, a higher score means lower delinquency in payments to a potential creditor. TransUnion uses 150 as the minimum and 934 as the maximum scores.
When you request your score, TransUnion will give a Factor Description. These factors are listed in order of importance and give you a guide on how to improve your score. I’d also like to state that lenders and potential creditors use several different types of factors when determining your score. Just because TransUnion lists a score of 800, doesn’t mean another credit agency wouldn’t list a score of 750 or 850 for the same information.
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In comparison to Experian & Equifax’s websites, I found TransUnion’s Website just as simple to use. I request a copy of my report about twice a year, requested investigations on incorrect information, and have never had any problems. I prefer TransUnion over Experian & Equifax, but I think it is only because I use it more often and am more familiar with their format.
Extra Information
FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT:
Consumer Reporting Agencies are regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This protects you, the consumer, and gives you additional rights besides those provided by your state. You can find more information pertaining to the FCRA at the Federal Trade Commission’s Website: www.ftc.gov
©khahn86351 2002
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