3-in-1 Merged Credit Report
Our credit monitoring service includes a free 3-in-1 Credit Report with information from all 3 national credit bureaus - TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. The report includes your complete, unabridged credit information plus all 3 credit scores.
We call it a merged report because the 3-bureau information is printed side-by-side in an easy to read format that makes it simple to compare reports and spot any errors or inconsistencies.
Since credit bureaus do not share their data with each other, it is important to check your credit and scores at all 3 bureaus to get an accurate picture of your credit records. Most lenders review all 3 credit reports before deciding whether to extend you credit, and they use the average of your scores as a guide.
The 3-in-1 Credit Report is valuable because it lets you see exactly what your lender does. You can use this information to negotiate better rates on credit cards and loans to save money. If your credit is damaged, you'll like the free credit score analysis which provides excellent tips on how to raise your score.
Once you login and receive your credit report online, you should print a copy and review it carefully, circling any unfamiliar information. Signs of fraud and identity theft include strange addresses and accounts you do not recognize. Follow up on these and any other items by contacting the creditor directly at the telephone number or address listed on the report.
Your 3-in-1 Merged Credit Report includes:
- Personal Information: An overview of your current and previous addresses, current and past employers and spouse's name.
- Account Summary: Detailed information about your open and closed credit accounts including mortgages, car loans, credit cards, store charges and other loans. This section lists a 7-year payment history, current balance, limits, historic high balances, and date the account was opened. It also includes whether the account is up to date, and current status such as paid, settled or sent to collections. This section is typically the longest.
- Public Records - Lists foreclosures, bankruptcies, liens, divorce settlements and legal judgments against you. In general the less information that is listed here, the better, as these items tend to be viewed negatively by lenders.
- Inquiries - Lists names of all institutions and/or individuals who have requested your credit report in the last two years. You may see places where you have applied for credit, prospective employers or landlords, and current creditors who regularly check your report to make sure nothing has changed and you can still meet your obligations.
In addition to your free 3-in-1 Credit Report, you will also receive:
- 3 Credit Scores - These scores are very important as they determine whether or not you will receive the credit you seek. Many lenders do not scour your credit report; they simply look at your credit score to decide.
- Personalized Score Analysis - Along with your 3-in-1 report you will receive personal tips based on your scores to help you understand and improve your score.
- Credit Monitoring Service - Around the clock monitoring of your credit ensures that all changes to your reports will be reported to you within 24-hours, giving you real-time warnings of any fraud or derogatory notations to your file.