The 3 Credit Bureaus and Why They Matter to You

What are the 3 credit bureaus?

The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit bureaus gather and maintain data on consumers' credit use, which means that if you have a credit card or a loan, you probably have a credit file with one, two or all three major credit bureaus.

Sometimes called credit reporting agencies, these credit bureaus can collect and sell information on your consumer credit behavior without your consent. However, businesses that check your credit, such as credit card issuers and lenders, must have a legitimate reason to look at your credit file — for example, a lender might look at your credit because you applied for a loan or a credit card.

In most cases, potential lenders must have your permission.

If data privacy is a concern, you should know that credit bureaus are highly regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which puts limitations on how they collect and share your personal data.

» Get your free credit report from NerdWallet today

What data do the credit bureaus collect?

Your credit reports include identifying information, such as your name, birthdate, Social Security number and addresses (past and present).

Credit reports also can contain:

• A list of current and past credit accounts.

• Payment history, or the record of whether you paid your bills on time.

• Negative information, also called derogatory marks, which includes collections, bankruptcies, repossessions and foreclosures.

• A record of who has accessed your credit report, for instance, when you apply for credit or when a marketer wants to preapprove you for an offer.

» Learn more: How long do derogatory marks stay on your credit file?

How is the information on your credit reports used?

The information in your credit reports goes far beyond borrowing — it can influence major financial and everyday decisions. Here are some of the most common ways it’s used:

• Calculating your credit scores.

• Determining whether you qualify for a loan or credit card, and what interest rate you’ll pay. 

• Reviewing your background for certain job applications. 

• Approving or denying a rental application. 

• Setting the cost of some types of insurance. 

• Deciding whether you’ll need to pay for a deposit for utilities. 

What information is not in my credit reports?

Your credit reports do not contain your credit score. The major credit scoring companies, FICO and VantageScore, use the data from your credit reports to calculate your score.

Some types of accounts don't routinely show up on your report, such as utilities and rent. But those accounts can still end up on your report if there's a payment problem that leads to a debt collection, which is a negative mark that appears on your credit reports.

Other personal information is excluded, such as your race, marital status, religion, gender, citizenship or criminal records.

Where do the credit bureaus get their data?

Creditors report how you handle accounts, including payment history, to the credit bureaus. They're not required to report to the credit bureaus, but most do because information on how borrowers have handled credit cards and loans in the past helps them make lending decisions.

Creditors may report to one, two or all three credit bureaus, so your reports can vary from one bureau to another.

Some types of accounts don't routinely show up on your report, such as utilities and rent. But those accounts can still end up on your report if there's a payment problem that leads to a debt collection.

Data also comes from public records, such as repossessions, bankruptcy filings and foreclosures.

Can other types of data help my credit reports?

If you are new to credit, you might benefit from getting other types of account information added to your reports. Options include:

• Rental payments: If you're a renter, you can look into rent reporting services that report your on-time rental payments to credit bureaus to build a record of positive payment history.

• Phone, streaming services and utility payments: You can use one of the newer products that gather some data from bank accounts you link, such as Experian Boost and UltraFICO.

How can I check my credit reports?

You're entitled to free weekly credit reports from each bureau. Use AnnualCreditReport.com to download your reports. It's important to check all three reports because credit bureaus operate independently, and each may receive information from a different set of sources.

Make sure your identifying information and account information are correct, because mistakes can lower your credit scores.

You can also check on personal finance websites that offer free credit reports, such as NerdWallet.com. NerdWallet’s credit report uses TransUnion data.

» Learn more about how to read your credit reports

What if I see a mistake on my credit report?

If you see an error, you should dispute it quickly. The process requires you to file a formal complaint online, by phone or by mail.

The bureaus are required by law to respond in a timely manner. and the bureau must respond. Each credit bureau has a slightly different procedure for disputing.

It’s important to fix a mistake with all three major bureaus, because credit reporting agencies do not share information.

» Need a credit bureau’s phone number? We got you covered.