The 3 credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
Credit bureaus collect data related to credit activity and compile it into credit reports. Credit-scoring companies use these credit reports to calculate credit scores, and lenders use them to make decisions about extending credit.
For those reasons and more, credit bureaus can play an important role in lending and borrowing.
What you’ll learn:
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The three major credit bureaus are Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion®. They collect consumer credit data to create credit reports.
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Credit reports contain sections about identity, credit history and activity, and information from public records.
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Information in each bureau’s credit report might come from different sources, which can contribute to small differences in credit scores.
- Credit bureaus are different from credit-scoring companies, like FICO® and VantageScore®, which use data from credit reports to generate credit scores.
What are the 3 credit bureaus?
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three major U.S. credit bureaus. Credit bureaus—also known as credit reporting agencies and consumer reporting companies—collect and compile data about credit activity and sell it as credit reports, which are then used by credit scorers, lenders, employers, insurance companies and more.
How do credit bureaus get your information?
When it comes to credit reporting, the three bureaus have similar purposes. But not every lender reports data to all three bureaus. That’s why the information in credit reports can vary and why credit scores aren’t always consistent.
But generally, the three credit bureaus gather information from sources like:
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Financial institutions, such as credit card issuers, banks and credit unions
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Mortgage lenders
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Auto lenders
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Debt collection agencies
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Public records, including bankruptcy filings, property records or wage garnishments
- Self-reported alternative data from utilities, landlords and others
What information is collected by the credit bureaus?
The three credit bureaus collect information about credit activity. That typically includes:
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Identifying information, such as name, birth date and Social Security number (SSN)
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Account information, including balances, loan amounts, credit limits and account-open dates
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Payment history, including late or missed payments
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Debt collections
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Credit inquiry details, including both soft and hard inquiries
- Public records, such as bankruptcies or foreclosures
What information isn’t used in credit reports by the bureaus?
According to Experian, credit reports don’t include personal information that is irrelevant to your credit. The bureau cites these examples:
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Marital status
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Disabilities
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Race or ethnicity
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Religious beliefs or affiliations
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Political affiliations
How to check your credit reports from all 3 credit bureaus
You can request a free copy of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
You can use CreditWise from Capital One to monitor your TransUnion credit report. CreditWise also provides real-time alerts when your TransUnion or Experian credit report changes. CreditWise is free, even if you’re not a Capital One cardholder. And using it won’t hurt your credit scores.
How to freeze your credit with all 3 credit bureaus
If you’re concerned about identity theft or account security, you can freeze your credit to prevent people from opening new accounts in your name by:
The 3 credit bureaus FAQ
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the three credit bureaus.
Which of the 3 credit bureaus is the most important?
No credit bureau is considered more important than the others. But credit reports can differ based on the credit activity the bureau receives. And differences in credit reports could cause slight differences in credit scores.
How do I contact all 3 credit bureaus?
To contact the three major credit bureaus, visit their websites or call their customer service numbers.
- Equifax: 800-685-1111
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 888-909-8872
Are there other types of credit bureaus?
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three major nationwide credit bureaus. But there are other, smaller bureaus that collect consumer information and produce reports for specific industries like retail, medical, telecoms and housing.
How does your credit information stay private?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that helps protect the accuracy, privacy and fairness of information collected by credit bureaus. When credit bureaus collect information on consumer credit behavior, they have the right to do so without permission. But businesses that might want to access information through a credit check need to have a permissible purpose under the law to obtain your credit report.
Key takeaways: The 3 major credit bureaus
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three major credit bureaus. By compiling and sharing your credit reports, they play an important role in lending and borrowing.
No matter where you are in your financial journey, monitoring your credit with CreditWise can help you track your progress. It’s free to use. And it won’t hurt your credit scores.
