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Personal Loans

Reporting Agencies

When applying for a loan, Altura Credit Union will look at your credit history using a credit reporting agency.

What is a Credit Reporting Agency?

There are three main credit reporting agencies:

  • Experian
  • TransUnion
  • Equifax

There are other, smaller credit reporting agencies, but the three listed above are the most prominent. Each of these credit reporting agencies collects information on credit history. They use this information to compile credit reports then sell those reports to businesses that need them

 

Who Uses the Information from Credit Reporting Agencies?

Lenders utilize the information that credit reporting agencies collect. It helps them determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a loan. But it’s not just lenders who are interested in your credit history. Potential employers, landlords, and even insurance providers want to know your credit history. If any of these people deny your credit, they must give you the contact information of the credit reporting agency who provided them with your credit report.

 

Getting a Free Credit Report

Not sure what your current credit report looks like? You’re entitled to free credit reports under federal law. You can find yours out today by visiting annualcreditreport.com. It’s an easy process. Just fill out some basic information about yourself.

 

Discovering Suspicious Activity on Your Credit Report

Checking your credit report is also a good way to make sure your identity is safe. If you see any suspicious activity on your Altura credit card, contact us immediately. During normal business hours, you can call 1-888-883-7228 and select option 4. After normal business hours, call 1-888-883-7228 and select option 2. You can also call 866-213-3225 after normal business hours.

If you have questions about credit reporting agencies, you can also visit your local Altura Credit Union. We’d love to talk to you!

FAQ's

How Can I Find Errors on my Credit Report?

Credit reporting errors are extremely common. Some common errors to look out for include incorrect personal information, accounts listed as “closed by lender,” debts more than seven years old or duplicate accounts. It’s important to look for these errors because they can lower your score.

Why Do I See Accounts, Aliases or Loans I Don’t Recognize on my Credit Report?

If you are seeing any of these on your credit report, you might be a victim of identity theft. You might not even know until you start reading over your credit report.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Fraudulent Activity on my Account?

One thing you should do is freeze your credit. A credit freeze will lock your report and prevent lenders from seeing your account or anyone from opening new accounts/items under your name. Don’t worry, a credit freeze will not affect your credit score.

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