Did you know that there are three national credit bureaus that collect information about you--but they do not share data between them? Most lenders examine all three reports

Why Should I Check My Credit Report Regularly?
To detect identity fraud. In the past few years, identity fraud has risen dramatically. In this insidious form of credit fraud, a thief steals your good credit by taking over or opening accounts in your name, running up large balances, and leaving you to deal with the collectors when they come calling.

You should always check your monthly credit card bills.but what if the thief is using a card that you don't even know about? Identity fraud is something you can detect and remedy most effectively by checking your credit history thoroughly and on a routine basis.

To become an informed consumer. With good credit, you can obtain benefits of all kinds--a home mortgage or lease on an apartment, an auto loan, low-interest credit cards, and more--with ease. With poor credit, many of these financial options may be unavailable to you.

Aside from paying your bills regularly and on time, the single most important thing you can do to ensure good credit is to be aware of the contents of your credit report. Studies have shown that many credit files contain inaccuracies that can harm your credit rating. They can be caused by anything from a clerical error to a computer glitch in which your file is mixed with that of someone with a similar name.

To create a long-term strategy. If your credit is less than perfect now, checking your report will help you identify lingering problems--so you can take steps toward an improved credit standing. Whatever your situation, reviewing your report regularly is the only way to be sure that you will know what lenders will be looking at.

For more information, call one of our loan analysts at , today!