Lenders are not Required to Report to the Three Credit Bureaus

How information is supplied to the three credit reporting agencies is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). However, the law does not say that lenders are required to report any information to them. Major banks generally do report information to all the credit bureaus. Credit unions and small local or regional banks may only report to one or two, but generally not all three. There are also some lenders and others who do not report to any credit bureau.

How this impacts consumers

A consumer who is applying for a mortgage may learn from the lender that s/he does not have a credit report. Fortunately, the consumer may still be able to obtain a loan because the lender would likely put him or her into one that is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This allows for a lender to use a consumer’s “non-traditional” credit data. This includes a consumer’s history of making payments on their rent, utilities, cable, or cell phones. To use this information it is important that the consumer have at least three accounts that have been opened for at least 12 months.

Using this non-traditional credit date is more difficult and requires a lot of work. Additionally, there may be other conditions such as income minimums and requirements that the consumer have two months’ worth of mortgage payments in reserve.

Increasing Credit History

Consumers may need to put off their plans of buying a home and work towards improving their credit history. Consumers can do this by becoming an authorized user on a family member’s or friend’s existing credit account, provided that the person already has an excellent payment history. Additionally be sure that the company reports the account to all the three credit bureaus. The relative’s or friend’s complete payment history on that account will go on your credit reports.

Contact the Credit Bureaus

If a consumer is concerned that the three credit bureaus may not have credit reports on him or her, they should contact them and ask. If a consumer finds out that they do not have a credit report for all three, they can ask their bank or credit union to begin reporting to all three of the credit bureaus. This may not work if the lender does not have an account up with a credit bureau as this costs money. If this is the case a consumer could open a credit card with a different credit union or take out a loan with a national bank.

Understand the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is important for every consumer to understand. Whenever you are discussing credit information, it is essential to understand this Act. The FDCPA is aimed to preventing abusive practices by debt collectors and to ultimately ensure fair debt collection. The FDCPA also empowers consumers to dispute the claims of a debt collector, ask for validation of the debt, and to permit for judicial remedies should a debt collector violate the principles of the Act.

Our experienced attorneys here at Krohn and Moss Consumer Law Center have also provided many helpful resources regarding the FDCPA and how debt collectors should act. For more information, click here to learn more about this act and how it can help you.

We understand the frustration you may have when dealing with an aggressive debt collector. We have been successfully representing those abused and taken advantage of by debt collectors for years, and have a long list of successful stories to share with you. We offer a FREE CASE REVIEW for you to assess whether we can assist you with your matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us toll free at 1-800-875-3666 if you prefer to talk to a trained professional over the phone instead, or of course, visit our website at http://www.krohnandmoss.com/.