Credit Reports - Where do you get them and what do they mean?

Featured Resource "How the Credit Reporting System Works" - Is there a closely guarded, secret formula that the credit bureaus use, and if so, do they use it to try to make you look bad?

In this section, we take a look at credit reports, where to get them (often for free) and what they mean.  There are three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Trans Union and Experian.  The credit reports prepared by the three bureaus generally are different. 

How Does Your Credit Score Compare with the National Average?

Everyone has a credit score. It is inevitable and impossible to avoid having creditors at some point in your life. Your credit score reflects how well you have maintained your credit.

The national average credit score is between 650 and 700. You should try to be in this range or higher.   The best possible score is 800 and the lowest is 300. If you are in the middle or even close to being on the low end, you might consider improving your score through various credit repair options.

Credit Report Articles