| In addition to disputing incorrect information on your | | | | credit reporting agencies. However, some creditors |
| credit report, you can also add accounts to it that | | | | categorically refuse to do this as they only report to |
| make you look more credit worthy. If, when you | | | | one or two agencies and won't consider changing their |
| review your report, you noticed accounts that were | | | | standard business practices. But it's worth a try. |
| not listed on it that paint you in a positive light, you can | | | | You may find that credit histories for accounts you |
| ask the credit reporting agencies to include these | | | | pay on time are only missing from one or two credit |
| accounts on your report. Doing so will help in your | | | | reports. The third report might already include all your |
| quest to build a more positive credit rating and higher | | | | accounts or maybe you focused on cleaning up that |
| credit score. | | | | report first. If this applies to you, send the agencies |
| There are three types of information you might want | | | | with the missing information a copy of your all-inclusive |
| to have added to your credit history to build your | | | | report with a letter asking the missing data be added |
| score: | | | | to your file. |
| - Explanation of any incomplete or disputed information | | | | Creditors also like to see verification of stability so |
| - Positive account histories not included in your report | | | | consider asking any evidence you have of that be |
| - Information demonstrating reliable payment and | | | | added to your account. Creditors are most likely to |
| employment, stability | | | | add updated information on employment and |
| Often credit reports don't include accounts that you | | | | residences because it's used in evaluating credit |
| might expect to find. For instance, some major | | | | applications. However, if your report is missing data or |
| commercial lenders don't report mortgages or car | | | | contains obsolete or incorrect information on your |
| loans. Also, local banks or credit unions frequently don't | | | | phone number, date of birth, or social security number it |
| provide information to credit reporting agencies. | | | | is beneficial to update those as well to reduce the risk |
| If your credit report is missing credit histories for | | | | of account mix-ups. |
| accounts you pay on time, send the credit reporting | | | | Once you've repaired your credit, request a copy of |
| agencies a Letter Requesting Inclusion of Accounts, | | | | your report from each credit bureau. You are entitled |
| along with copies of recent account statements. Ask | | | | to one free credit report from each of the credit |
| the credit bureau to add information on these accounts | | | | reporting agencies annually. Look for anything old or |
| to your file. While the agencies aren't required to add | | | | inaccurate. Conducting an annual credit check and |
| account histories, they often do, but you might be | | | | adding positive accounts previously omitted, can help |
| charged a fee. | | | | ensure you maintain the highest credit ratings possible |
| Another option is to go straight to your creditor and | | | | and avoid being a victim of identify theft. |
| ask that they report the information directly to the | | | | |