Three major credit bureaus compile and
distribute credit information on consumers in the U.S.
The "big three" are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. These companies collect
similar information, though there may be slight variations. The agencies do not
share data with each other.
How Do the Bureaus Determine Your Creditworthiness?
Credit bureaus such as TransUnion,
Equifax, and Experian are independent agencies that collect credit information
and create scores that make up your credit profile. There is a lot of data
inside the typical credit report and it is numbers based, not subjective. These
aspects make up your credit score:
Payment History (35% of your credit score)
This includes missed payments, delinquent payments, any accounts turned over to collections and bankruptcies.
Amount Owed (30% of your credit score)
This includes credit cards, auto loans, home loans, educational loans, and store charges.
Length of Credit History (15% of your credit score)
Generally, a longer credit history will increase your score.
New Credit (10% of your credit score)
Opening several new accounts at once may reflect adversely on you. It is better to gradually open new accounts over time.
How Do You Get Your Credit Reports and Credit Scores?
The easiest way is to order them online. All three credit bureaus offer various packages to purchase credit reports and credit scores directly through their websites. You can also order all three credit reports together through services such as 3-in-1 Credit Reports via Credit Diagnosis.
