Why You Should Pull Your Own Credit Report

Question: "How do I find the credit bureaus that keep one's information? Are there many, or is there one central company? I have never checked our credit report before, but would like to."

--Robin Turnbaugh, Boston

Answer: Even if creditors aren't after you or you're not looking to take out a major loan, checking your credit report is a smart move. Mistakes do happen. You might have out-of-date information -- old debts long since paid or incorrectly reported nonexistent debts that have never been corrected.

To get a copy of your credit report, all you have to do is contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies:

• Experian, on the Web at www.experian.com
• Trans Union at www.transunion.com
• Equifax at www.equifax.com

You should consider purchasing all three credit reports since it is up to you to ensure that each one is accurate. Remember that information that makes it on one report doesn't always make it on your report at the other credit bureaus.

When you do get your credit report, check it for the following and any errors:

• Misspellings, wrong addresses, mistakes in Social Security number and other personal data
• Outdated information -- generally any item older than seven years
• How much you owe, how much is past due, and how many times you've paid late
• Closed accounts that are listed as still being open and active
• Details on repossessions, bankruptcy, foreclosure or monetary judgments against you
• Mention of disputes that you've entered regarding wrongful charges

If you find an error, inform the bureau and don't stop until they assure you that it will be corrected. Your good credit rating depends on it.