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Beware of calls offering marketing opt out
Dear Readers, Consumers have reported receiving automated calls asking for their Social Security numbers and other personal information in order to opt out of marketing mailing lists. Under the Fair...
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How to request a credit report if you are incarcerated
Dear Experian, How does an inmate go about getting a credit report? Where can he get the proper forms to fill out without access to the internet? - NTP Dear NTP, If a person is incarcerated, they...
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The meaning of “key derogatory” as a credit score factor
Dear Experian, What does “Key Derogatory” mean? - RTC Dear RTC, The term “key derogatory” is used simply to describe an account that is having a significant negative affect on your credit...
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Requesting a security freeze for a minor child’s credit report
Dear Experian, I’m concerned that someone may use my minor child’s identification information fraudulently and I want to take precautions. How can I request a security freeze on a minor’s credit file?...
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Establishing credit before going to college
Dear Experian, I am a 19 year old college student trying to establish credit early, and it would be helpful throughout college to have a low limit credit card just in case. Also, I am trying to get...
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Security freezes are not shared among the national credit reporting companies
Dear Experian, Does placing a security freeze at one credit agency extend to all three credit agencies like a fraud alert? - SCB Dear SCB, Security freezes are not shared among the national credit...
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You must submit request in writing to permanently opt out of receiving...
Dear Experian, I received a letter from Experian today regarding permanently removing my name from pre-approved credit offer mailing lists. The letter is requesting name, Social Security number,...
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Collection accounts are not removed immediately after being paid in full
Dear Experian, If you have a derogatory record on your credit report from a collection agency and you pay off the debt in full, will the debt be taken off of your report sooner? Or do you still have...
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Difference between “balance-to-limit ratio” and “debt-to-income” ratio
Dear Experian, What is the appropriate balance-to-limit or debt-to-income ratio? I do not maintain a balance on my credit cards but worry that I have credit limits that are too high and could impact...
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Using your credit report to compile a complete list of your creditors and debts
Dear Experian, How do I find out what I really owe and if any creditor will settle for less if I can pay off the balance? Can I get a list of all my creditors from you? - CYD Dear CYD, Your...
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No credit history despite having several open accounts
Dear Experian, I recently tried to apply for a car loan. They told me I was denied because they could not find any of my credit history information. I have a few credit cards from department stores,...
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Asking your lender to reduce the credit limit on a credit card could hurt...
Dear Experian, I have one credit card with a zero balance and a $10,000 limit. Will my credit score be hurt if I reduce my limit to $5,000? - CGC Dear CGC, Maybe. While the amount of available...
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Obtaining a free report after being declined or adverse action is taken
Dear Experian, I was approved for a credit card in October 2013. I have never exceeded the limit and have made all payments on time. I just received a notice that they are reducing my credit limit...
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Debt consolidation might help, but also could hurt your credit
Dear Experian, Does debt consolidation for credit cards with high interest rates help your credit? - SRO Dear SRO, Interest rates do not appear on a credit report; therefore, the interest...
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Charged off student loans still in credit report after being paid in full
Dear Experian, I have three student loans from about 12 years ago that where charged off. I paid them off in full two years ago, yet they are still reporting on my credit report. They are being...
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Unreported auto loan could be shown as collection after voluntary repossession
Dear Experian, I bought a car about 2 years ago at a “buy-here-pay-here” lot. I have never missed a payment and have been a good customer. Since buying the car I have spent over $3,000 in repairs. I...
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Bankruptcy may prevent qualifying for a credit card
Dear Experian, How can I get a credit card after a bankruptcy so I can rebuild my credit? - MBD Dear MBD, If your bankruptcy was discharged recently, you may have to wait a while before you can...
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Roommate’s credit could be hurt if added to credit card account
Dear Experian, I added my roommate onto my credit card and lost my job. I had difficulty paying it off and it was closed. Now, her credit has been affected. I didn’t even tell her that I added her,...
View ArticleHow Long Does It Take To Build Credit
Dear Experian, How long does it take to build credit? – ALM Dear ALM, Building a positive credit history takes time. There is no quick fix and no way to build credit overnight. The length of time it...
View ArticleBeware of Calls Offering Marketing Opt Out
Dear Readers, Consumers have reported receiving automated calls asking for their Social Security numbers and other personal information in order to opt out of marketing mailing lists. Under the Fair...
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