In addition to disputing incorrect or incomplete information and adding explanations for negative information a credit reporting agency won't remove from your credit reports, you might want to ask the credit reporting agency to add information that makes you look more creditworthy. This information usually includes:
The credit reporting agency (CRA) doesn't have to add information unless it's needed to correct something in your file or something in your file is incomplete. Sometimes the line between something being incomplete, or missing entirely, is a bit gray. You might want to ask the creditor to add some of the items listed below when you dispute incorrect or incomplete items.
Creditors like to see evidence of stability in your file. If any items listed below are missing from your file, consider contacting the credit reporting agencies asking the agency to add that information. You can make your request by mail or online.
Include any documentation that verifies the information you're providing, such as copies (never originals) of your driver's license, a canceled check, a bill addressed to you, or a pay stub showing your employer's name and address. Remember to keep copies of all correspondence.
Some information you might want to add include:
Credit reporting agencies are most likely to add information about jobs and residences because creditors use that information in evaluating credit applications. They will also add your telephone number, date of birth, and Social Security number because those items help identify you and lessen the chances of "mixed" credit files—getting other people's credit histories in your file.
Credit reports often don't include accounts you might expect to find. There are a few reasons why this happens.
Some creditors will send account information to one, but not all three, nationwide credit reporting agencies.
If one report has credit information missing, send a copy of the complete report to the other agencies and ask the agency to include the missing information in your file. If you've worked hard to clean up one report, you'll also want the others to reflect accurate information.
Your report might also be missing accounts. This kind of omission can happen if your local bank or credit union doesn't provide information to credit reporting agencies. If you're in this situation, try the following:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act is the law that requires consumer reporting agencies (also called "credit bureaus") to maintain an accurate file of your credit information. Creditors who report your information to the consumer reporting agencies must also be truthful and accurate. The FCRA tells the credit bureaus and creditors what they can report and how long it can legally appear on your credit reports.
If you have questions about the FCRA or need help dealing with a credit reporting agency, consider talking to a consumer protection attorney or debt relief lawyer.
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