Questions about Big Three credit bureau ...

[Kickin_Donkey]

I'm faced with taking out a major loan. As a first step, the loan officer at a local bank said that I should get my credit report on-line from the Big Three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. By federal law, I am entitled to get my credit report free from each of the Big Three. For the free reports, the three bureaus sent me to a central Website, annualcreditreport.com.

Apparently - I haven't actually done it yet - I can get my credit report from each of the three bureaus all at once, or just get my report from one now, and do the other two at some other time.

Are there any differences among the Big Three credit bureaus? If I got my report from, say Equifax, would it have exactly the same information as the one from TransUnion? Or would there be some information that one has but which the other didn't get? Is one bureau stricter than another in its ratings? Is there a difference in customer service? Should I be aware of any tricks they might try to pull?

This is all new to me. Any information on the Big Three would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[graywarrior]

1. You need all three.

One may have info that another does not. Get all three so in case there is something questionable you can have a response to whomever you are applying for the loan.

[Zan_of_Texas]

2. They are not identical.

In addition, you should know that studies have shown there are often errors or outdated info in credit reports.

They are sort of like Greek to read at first. Take your time, and be sure the info is accurate.

[lenidog]

5. It is actually very common to find mistakes on your credit report

I found out a few months ago I was retired.

[driver8]

3. Unfortunately, they don't contain the same information.

Your credit score will be different with each of them, usually.

I have taken out a couple of mortgages and have never had to get my credit report. It was always taken care of by the mortgage broker.

Do any of you know what is the "normal procedure"?

[mcscajun]

4. You don't Have To get your credit report, but it's a good idea.

The mortgage broker or banker will get their own copy, but that's once you're already "in application".

It's a good idea to get it yourself in advance, just in case there are errors, so you have time to correct them with the credit reporting agencies.