What is a credit report?

A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history, used by lenders, landlords, and others to assess your financial responsibility. Understanding what’s in your credit report is the first step toward building, maintaining, or repairing your credit.

Understanding the Role of Credit Reports Your credit report is one of the most important tools used to determine your financial reliability. It influences loan approvals, interest rates, housing applications, and more. Errors or outdated information can negatively affect your credit score and limit your opportunities which is why reviewing and managing your report is so important.

1. What Does a Credit Report Include?

A credit report contains personal and financial data gathered by credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), such as:

  • Personal information: Name, address, Social Security number, employment history
  • Credit accounts: Open and closed accounts, credit limits, balances
  • Payment history: On-time, late, or missed payments
  • Public records: Bankruptcies or judgments
  • Credit inquiries: Who has recently reviewed your credit

2. Why Credit Reports Matter

Lenders use your report to assess the risk of lending to you. It can influence whether you're approved for a loan or credit card, the interest rate you're offered, or whether a landlord approves your rental application. Even some employers review reports during hiring.

3. How to Get a Free Credit Report

You can request your credit report for free once a year from each of the three major bureaus by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing it regularly helps you spot errors, monitor your financial health, and protect against identity theft.

4. What If Something Looks Wrong?

If you find inaccurate, outdated, or unverifiable information on your report, you have the legal right to dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). At RLGCRS, we help clients navigate the dispute process with attorney-backed strategies that ensure your credit report reflects accurate, fair, and verified data.

5. When to Seek Legal Credit Repair Help

While some issues can be resolved on your own, complex or repeated inaccuracies may require legal guidance. Our team at RLGCRS offers personalized credit repair services to help you challenge errors, rebuild credit, and move forward with confidence all backed by licensed professionals.

Take Control of Your Credit Report

Understanding your credit report empowers you to protect your financial future. Whether you're recovering from past issues or working to build a stronger credit profile, knowledge paired with the right legal support makes all the difference.

Need help reviewing or disputing your credit report? Schedule a consultation with RLGCRS today.

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