Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Financial term in the Credit category
Definition
A federal law enacted in 1970 that regulates how consumer credit information is collected, shared, and used by credit bureaus and other entities. The FCRA gives you the right to access your credit report, dispute inaccurate information, and be notified when your credit report is used against you. It also requires credit bureaus to investigate disputes within 30 days and remove information that cannot be verified.
Related Terms
Credit Bureau
A company that collects and maintains your credit information, then sells it to lenders and other authorized parties as credit reports. The three major credit bureaus in the United States are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each bureau may have slightly different information, which is why your credit scores can vary between them.
Credit Dispute
A formal process in which you challenge inaccurate or incomplete information on your credit report by filing a claim with the credit bureau or the creditor that reported it. Under the FCRA, the credit bureau must investigate your dispute, usually within 30 days, and correct or remove any information that cannot be verified. You can dispute errors online, by phone, or by mail with each of the three major credit bureaus.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
A federal law that prohibits lenders from discriminating against credit applicants based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or receipt of public assistance. Under the ECOA, lenders must evaluate applications based on creditworthiness factors like income, debts, and credit history. If your application is denied, the lender is required to provide a specific reason for the denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?
A federal law enacted in 1970 that regulates how consumer credit information is collected, shared, and used by credit bureaus and other entities. The FCRA gives you the right to access your credit report, dispute inaccurate information, and be notified when your credit report is used against you. It also requires credit bureaus to investigate disputes within 30 days and remove information that cannot be verified.
Why is Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) important in personal finance?
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is an important credit concept that helps individuals make better financial decisions. Understanding Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) can improve your financial planning and help you achieve your money goals.
How does Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) relate to Credit Bureau?
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Credit Bureau are related financial concepts. A company that collects and maintains your credit information, then sells it to lenders and other authorized parties as credit reports. The three major credit bureaus in the United States are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each bureau may have slightly different information, which is why your credit scores can vary between them.
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