The FCRA allows consumers to learn from credit bureaus what information is in their credit-history files and the sources of that information. Consumers who are concerned about their credit histories should check with local credit bureaus. For a small fee, the bureaus will tell consumers what information is in their files. Since more than one credit bureau may have a file, consumers should call each one listed. While the bureaus are not required to give consumers a copy of the file, many of them do.
Consumers can also request the names of creditors who have received a report in the last six months.
Not all creditors report credit-history information to credit bureaus. As a result, consumers may find that some of their credit accounts are not included in the bureaus' reports. Consumers who have had credit in a different city or under a different name can request the bureaus to include this information. When asking a credit bureau to add account information, consumers should do so in writing and include all relevant information, such as account numbers, expiration dates, and the names and addresses of the creditors with whom they have had accounts in order to expedite the process. While the bureaus do not have to add new accounts to a file, many will do so for a small fee.