Consumer Rights Information

You must be told if information in your file has been used against you — for example, to deny an application for credit, insurance or employment.

You have the right to know what is in your file, and to obtain a free file disclosure in certain circumstances.

You have the right to ask for a credit score, though scores are not always free.

You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Credit bureaus must investigate, generally within 30 days.

Inaccurate, incomplete or unverifiable information must be corrected or deleted by the credit bureau, usually within 30 days.

Credit bureaus may not report outdated negative information — in most cases, information more than seven years old, or ten years for bankruptcies.

Access to your file is limited to those with a valid need, such as creditors, insurers, landlords and employers.

Your consent is required for reports provided to employers.

You may limit prescreened offers of credit and insurance based on information in your credit report.

You may seek damages from violators.

Identity theft victims and active duty military personnel have additional rights.

If you are a victim of identity theft, you may place a fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit file at no cost.

You may file an Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov, which supports your right to block fraudulent information from appearing on your report.

You are entitled to receive copies of documents relating to fraudulent transactions made in your name.

For more information, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov/learnmore, or write to the CFPB at 1700 G Street N.W., Washington, DC 20552.