| In addition to disputing incorrect information on your | | | | ask that they report the information directly to the |
| credit report to have it removed, you can also add | | | | credit reporting agencies. However, some creditors |
| accounts to it that make you look more credit worthy. | | | | categorically refuse to do this as they only report to |
| If, when you review your report, you noticed accounts | | | | certain agencies or not at all, and won't change their |
| that were not listed on it that paint you in a favorable | | | | standard business practices. But it's worth a try. |
| light, you can ask the credit reporting agencies to | | | | Evidence of Stability |
| include these accounts on your report. Doing so will | | | | Creditors like to see signs of stability so consider |
| help in your quest to build a higher credit score. | | | | asking any evidence you have of that be added to |
| There are three types of information you might want | | | | your account. Creditors are most likely to add updated |
| to have added to your credit history to build your | | | | information on employment and residences because |
| score: | | | | it's used in evaluating credit applications. However, if |
| Facts Regarding Disputed or Incomplete Data | | | | your report is missing data or contains obsolete or |
| If you dispute the completeness or accuracy of | | | | incorrect information on your phone number, date of |
| information in your credit file, credit reporting agencies | | | | birth, or social security number reduce the risk of |
| are required to, at your request, include your | | | | mix-ups by having them updated. |
| explanatory statement with subsequent credit reports | | | | When updating your credit report, make sure you |
| they send out. Your statement should be brief and | | | | contact all three credit bureaus to make any |
| include only extenuating circumstances - not just you | | | | necessary changes. They all gather and report data |
| couldn't afford your debts. Then, you can request the | | | | somewhat differently so it's never consistent. It's hard |
| explanation be sent to prior recipients of your credit | | | | to know ahead of time which credit bureau a potential |
| report - up to two years prior if it was for employment, | | | | lender uses, so you want to make sure your updated |
| otherwise six months. You may be charged a fee to | | | | information is included no matter what. |
| have your explanation added to your file. | | | | Once you've taken these steps, request a copy of |
| Adding Missing Information | | | | your report from each credit bureau. You are entitled |
| If your credit report is missing positive credit histories | | | | to one free credit report from each of them annually. |
| for accounts you pay on time, such as car loans or | | | | Look for anything old or inaccurate. Conducting an |
| mortgages, request in writing that the accounts be | | | | annual credit check and adding positive accounts |
| added to your credit file, along with copies of recent | | | | previously omitted, can help ensure you maintain the |
| account statements. Credit reporting agencies will | | | | highest credit ratings possible and avoid being a victim |
| often comply even though they're not required to, but | | | | of identify theft. While somewhat time consuming, you |
| they may charge a fee. | | | | can effectively raise your credit score by adding |
| Another option is to go straight to your creditor and | | | | positive information to your credit report. |