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Check Your Credit There’s no doubt about it. Good personal credit is important – whether you are applying for a credit card, a loan, or simply connecting utilities to your home. To help you learn more about credit ratings and what they mean to you, we've provided Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. Or, if you would like to talk directly with a bank associate, simply call, email, or visit any one of our neighborhood bank locations. We’re always glad to help.
How do you request a personal credit report?
The National Foundation for Consumer Credit (NFCC) suggests that you request your personal credit history from all three of the major reporting agencies at least once a year. A small fee may apply.
 Experian - View your credit report online for the quickest and most convenient way to access your personal credit information
Equifax - Simply click "Order now" under the Credit Profile section to order your personal credit information.
Trans Union Corporation - Order your personal credit information online and receive it by mail. Review your credit report(s) to make sure all of the information is accurate. If you see anything wrong, call the credit bureau immediately for more information. What is in your credit report?
Credit reports contain information about how well you pay your rent, utilities, loans, and other bills. It also reflects how well you manage your bank accounts, and if you have opened or closed any credit accounts. Most credit information remains in your file for seven years. You can expect to see the following items in your personal credit report: Personal and employment information
Payment history (credit cards, bank, rent, and other public payments)
Inquiries into your credit history
Bankruptcies, lawsuits, and liens
What is a credit rating?
A credit rating is a measure of your credit-worthiness. It’s a ranking based on your past ability to manage credit and repay what you’ve borrowed on-time. Credit bureaus use your financial history to determine your credit rating. What does a good credit rating mean?
A good credit rating indicates that you are more likely to pay back what you’ve borrowed. The better your credit rating is, the more confident others will be in lending to you. Why should you establish good credit?
A good credit rating will give you more opportunities to borrow if you need additional funds in the future. A good credit rating will help you: Connect utilities to your home.
Secure financing for a home, vehicle, furniture, boat, computer, vacation, or more.
Secure a job. Many employers run a credit check on prospective employees to view how responsible they may be.
Rent a place to live. Landlords may use your credit rating to determine if you are likely to make timely payments.
Receive loans for education.
Obtain a credit card.
Obtain funds to start your own business, and more. How do you maintain good credit?
Managing your credit can be challenging. The best way to manage your credit is to spend wisely and stay out of debt. If you need to borrow, be responsible and follow these five good credit tips. Keep track of your spending.
Establish a budget and track what you spend. Avoid large impulse buys and use your line of credit for emergencies that require cash. Cash advances from credit cards are the most costly way to use credit since you pay higher interest rates and fees for cash than for purchases. Review your monthly statements to make sure they are accurate. Report any discrepancies immediately. Pay what you owe.
Pay at least your "total minimum due" by the "mail by" date on your monthly statement to keep your account in good standing. Don¹t skip payments. Try to pay more than the minimum each month. Pay the entire amount, if possible.
Don't exceed your credit limit.
Your "available credit" is how much credit you have left. It's your original credit amount minus the credit you've already used. You should never use more credit than you have available. You should also keep 15 percent of your credit available in case of an emergency.
Make timely payments.
Take note of the "mail by" date to make sure the recipient receives your payment on time. You may be charged late fees if your payment is past due. Make sure to notify your creditors if you are moving. You are responsible for your balance, even if your statement goes to your old address.
Get your finances under control.
Contact your creditors to discuss and establish a payment plan that you can afford. They will want to help you create a payment solution. Your payment plan should include who to pay and how much to pay each month. Limit your spending so you do not further extend your credit obligations. Close accounts you don¹t use. Use credit resources, such as the National Foundation for Consumer Credit (NFCC), for tips and suggestions to get your finances under control. Think you're a victim of fraud?
The Experian Credit Fraud Center provides tips, information, and resources for dealing with credit fraud. Learn how to protect yourself and the steps to take if you become a victim of credit fraud.
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