How to Report Payment History to the Credit Bureau
Your credit report may not accurately reflect your payment history, since not all credit accounts are reported. Most creditors supply information to the credit bureaus; however, some creditors, such as credit unions, local retailers, gasoline creditors and medical offices, often do not.
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Things You'll Need
- Internet access
- Credit report
- List of all debts (including account numbers, original and current balances, and monthly payments)
Instructions
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Have a current credit report. Go online to AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain your free online credit report from the three nationwide credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Print the reports from all three credit bureaus.
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Compare your list of debts with each credit report. Make sure there are no errors. If you notice inaccuracies, submit online dispute forms to each credit bureau.
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If you have debts that do not appear on your credit report, contact each creditor and request that the accounts be added to each credit-reporting agency.
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Contact each credit reporting agency and request that your unreported debts be added to your credit file. Keep copies of all correspondence, and never send original documentation.
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Tips & Warnings
You can add a consumer statement on your credit report that might explain any negative accounts. The statement will remain on your credit report until you request its removal, and lenders may take your statement into consideration when granting credit. Also, keep the credit bureaus updated with your most current personal information.
Credit reporting agencies are not required to add verifiable debts to your credit report and may do so at their discretion for a fee. Also, not all creditors report to all three nationwide credit agencies.
