COMBINED CREDIT REPORT

A combined credit report combines vital information from all the three major credit reports and gives the most accurate and up to date information on your credit history.

Some credit counseling services advise consumers not to see just one report and say that it is a "useless endeavour." The reason is that all three reports could be different. The sources of information are voluntary, and tie ups with private companies vary. This means that information on some of your credit purchases could be available to only one of the agencies.

CONSOLIDATED CREDIT REPORT

A consolidated credit report combines all the relevant information and pushes it into one single document. This means you do not miss on any information that could be available to only one of the bureaus. It is always a good practice to check reports from all the three bureaus to be very sure that adverse comments are reported anywhere.

BENEFITS OF A CONSOLIDATED REPORT

A consolidated report offers the following benefits:

• Gives all the information you need to know.
• All purchases and accounts are revealed, including fake ones in your name.
• Any adverse comment anywhere is made known.
• Allows one to update information wherever it is lacking.

CONSOLIDATED CREDIT REPORT: HOW TO OBTAIN

The reports you get directly from the three bureaus are consumer friendly. They contain the same information but are easier to scan and read than those made available to banks and companies.

You can get your free federally promised copy in the form of a consolidated report from all three bureaus. Or contact any one bureau and pay a fee to obtain the consolidated report.