Learn How to Read Your Credit Report

Dear ECL,

You can find Experian's sample credit report online. The good news is that you don't need a booklet to explain how to read your report.

Experian's consumer credit report is designed to be easy to read and understand. It is in simple language with no strange abbreviations or coding. It is neatly organized into sections that are clearly identified and include explanations of the information in each section.

While it is easy and convenient to enter any disputes online, your personal credit report provides contact information including a toll-free telephone number to dispute any information you believe is inaccurate or to request assistance with other issues such as identity theft.

Obtaining your personal credit report before contacting Experian ensures you have the most recent information available, and the same information that our representatives will have, which helps us provide the most effective and efficient service.

You can obtain your personal report in a variety of ways. You are entitled to a free weekly report under federal law. That report is available through http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.

You can also get a free report if you have had adverse action taken, such as having an application declined. Your lender will provide instructions to request your report from the credit reporting company it used in making its decision.

You also can request your report directly from Experian at www.experian.com/reportaccess. There may be a nominal fee if you do not qualify for a free credit report.

Thanks for asking.
- The "Ask Experian" team