The three main credit bureaus used in the United States are Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. These agencies collect and collate personal information, financial data, and non-financial data (such as utility, rental, and telecommunications payments) on individuals from a variety of sources called data furnishers with which the bureaus have a relationship. Data furnishers are typically creditors, lenders, utilities, debt collection agencies and the courts.

These data furnishers report their payment experience with the consumer to the credit bureaus. This information is then processed and made available to the customers of the credit bureaus for the purpose of a credit risk assessment.

Most consumer credit advocates advise individuals to review their credit reports at least once per year, in order to ensure that the reports are accurate. Consumers can do so at no cost. They are entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion by going to www.annualcreditreport.com. This site is maintained by those three credit bureaus (companies).

If you want to contact any one of these bureaus directly, here is the information:

Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013
888.397.3742

Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30348
800.685.1111

TransUnion, LLC
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022
800.888.4213