Credit Education

Under the FCRA

The Fair Credit Reporting Act limits when a consumer report can be obtained. In most situations, a business must have a permissible purpose before accessing a report.

Quick answer

A report should only be accessed for a permissible purpose, such as written authorization, credit, collections, employment with consent, insurance, or other qualifying business needs.

Permissible Purpose Explainer

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If a business accessed your report, review the inquiry and confirm whether it matches a real relationship or application.

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If you provide written permission, a report may be obtained for that approved use.

If you apply for credit, the lender may access your report to evaluate risk.

If a valid account exists and is being collected, report access may be allowed for collection activity.

Employers generally need your written authorization before using a report for hiring or promotion.

In some cases, an insurer may use report information to underwrite or price coverage.

If you initiate a transaction, a business may access your report when it is connected to that transaction and permitted.

Some account reviews can involve report access to confirm continued eligibility, depending on the account.

In limited situations tied to an existing obligation, certain parties may review credit risk for assessment or servicing.

Educational note: if an inquiry does not match a real application or relationship, review it carefully and consider the proper next step based on your situation.

Under the FCRA

Under the FCRA

Under the FCRA

Permissible Purpose Explainer

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