Credit Bureaus

Credit bureaus, or credit reporting agencies, are private companies which maintain records for everyone who has obtained various forms of credit. Credit bureaus keep information related to the payment history, credit status, and credit scores of consumers. This information is available to consumers upon request. Lenders contact one or more of these bureaus to help determine the credit risk of someone applying for a credit card, car loan, home mortgage, or educational loan.

The Three Major Credit Bureaus

Equifax Credit Information Services
To order a credit report by phone:  800.685.1111
To place a fraud alert by phone:     888.766.0008
Mail correspondence to: PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian Information Solutions
To order a credit report or place a fraud alert by phone:
888.397.3742
Mail correspondence to: PO Box 9530, Allen, TX 75013

Trans Union
To order a credit report by phone: 800.888.4213
To contact the Fraud Victim Assistance Division:
800.680.7289
Mail correspondence to: PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022