What is a credit reference and why would you need one?

Whenever a person goes through a credit check or inquiry, they typically need to share information about their ability to manage and pay back debt—also known as creditworthiness. But how can someone prove their creditworthiness? That’s where credit references come in. 

A credit reference helps detail a person’s credit history. Credit reports are examples. In some cases, credit references can also be statements or letters. 

Key takeaways

• The most common types of credit references are credit reports, asset documents and character references. 
• Credit references are often part of the process if you’re applying for a credit card, loan or apartment.
• You could get a credit reference by authorizing a credit check, requesting a copy of your credit report or asking a previous lender or landlord for a credit reference letter.

There are a few types of credit references. Some of the more common types include credit reports, asset documents and character references.

Credit reports

Credit reports detail a person’s credit history, including the types of debt they have and their payment history. Credit reports are the most common type of credit reference. They’re also the most likely credit reference lenders accept.  

Asset documents

Asset documents list a person’s financial assets. Assets could include:

• Bank accounts, like checking and savings accounts
• Investments, like retirement accounts and stocks 

Character references

Character references are people who are qualified to speak on a person’s financial habits. They could include people like previous landlords, employers or lenders. And they can help support other references when borrowers are building credit or repairing it. 

People may need a credit reference when they need to show their creditworthiness for: 

• Credit card applications
• Loan applications
• Rental applications

Some utility companies and employers may also request credit references. 

Credit reference example

Let’s say you’re applying to rent a new apartment. The rental office requests to run a credit check as part of your application. You agree to let them access your credit report. And because you want to have a strong application, you ask your previous landlord for a letter to vouch for your responsible payment history. 

In this example, you have two credit references for the rental application—your credit report and character reference.

Lenders, employers, utility companies and other entities may request a credit reference after getting your permission. You may also obtain a credit reference for yourself by getting a copy of your credit reports or asking for a character reference letter.

Once lenders have permission, they generally make direct requests to credit bureaus to review an applicant’s credit report. 

Anyone can request free copies of their credit reports by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. 

For someone who needs a character reference, they must reach out personally to the relevant person and request a credit reference letter.

A good credit reference could help you on your way toward a strong credit application. Monitoring your credit report and staying in contact with previous references can be worth it in the end.

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