Credit Management

Get Your Free Credit Report

The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you FREE access to your credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Although there are many TV ads, email offers, and online search results that may tout “free” credit reports, there is only one authorized source for a truly free credit report. (Source: United States Federal Trade Commission, ftc.gov)

AnnualCreditReport.com is the ONLY authorized source for the free annual credit report that is yours by law

It provides access to all the information in your credit file

It also maintains a record of everyone who has checked your credit report (lenders, insurance providers, etc.)

It’s a great way to identify areas of improvement, discover errors, and detect fraud

This report does not include your credit score

For more information or to request your free report, visit AnnualCreditReport.com

Why does credit matter?

There are a variety of reasons your credit history may be checked – applying for a loan, opening an account with your electric company, renting an apartment, applying for a job, and more! The purpose of checking your credit history is to gain an understanding of your behavior, including your financial behavior. You can learn more about credit by visiting Experian.com. A few things you’ll learn on this website are:

The four elements of a credit report: identification, account history, public records (bankruptcy filings, court records of tax liens) and inquiries

Find out what to do if you have not established a credit history

Have a cosigner or authorized user added to the account

Apply for a secured credit card, which requires users to put up cash as collateral

How various life events impact your credit

Marriage or Divorce

Renting or Leasing

Making a Large Purchase

Financing a New Business

How to prevent fraud and identity theft

Improve your credit!

No matter what your credit score currently is, there is always room for improvement. Although the necessary steps for improving your credit are easy, it does take time. So the sooner you start, the better off you will be! For more information visit smartcreditmatters.com, a website created by our NVB credit card provider. A few things you will learn on this site are:

How credit scores are calculated

Why non-credit companies look at your score

How to improve your credit score

Show creditors you are responsible by paying your bills on time, every time

Building credit happens by using credit (wisely)

Never max out your cards

Pay more than just the minimum due on your card

Wait to apply for additional cards if you’ve recently opened one

Errors & fraud happen – catch it early by monitoring your credit report

What to do if your identity (personal information) is stolen

A bank with family values! We have been locally owned and managed since 1868. NVB has been serving the needs of northwest Missouri’s citizens for a century and a half. Click Here for Community Bank St. Joseph MO