The three major credit reporting agencies are:
- Equifax (800) 685-1111
- Experian (800) 682-7654
- Trans Union (800) 916-8800
It doesn't make any difference which company you choose; they all have the goods on you.
2) Read your credit report. If you have queries, call the credit departments of the relevant companies and ask for explanations of anything you don't understand.
Look for notices of late payments. You might be surprised to see how often you've been late. The first time I got a copy of my credit rating I was astounded to see not only every "late" in my life right there in black and white but also every degree of lateness.
3) Note how late payments are categorized. If, for example, your Sears bill is due on May 5, 2000 and you don't pay it until June 5th, 2000 it goes into the "30-day-late" category on your credit report. At this time your payment would be considered 30 days past due. If you made your payment before June 5th but after the due date, you would accumulate a late charge and interest fees but it wouldn't affect your credit report until you hit 30 days past due.