What Type of Credit Report Should You Get?

Which credit report is right for you?

Single credit report? 3-in-1 merged credit report? Credit score? Credit monitoring? There are so many different types of credit report offers these days. Are you puzzled which credit report offer is right for you? You are not alone.

Each of the three national credit reporting agencies are independent of each other and do not share information. Therefore what is on one report may or may not be on another.

While a single bureau report is a file that represents the data from just one credit bureau, a 3-in-1 merged credit report is a credit report that includes data from all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian [formerly TRW], and Trans Union). When determining your ability to pay back a loan, many lenders examine your 3-in-1 Credit Report

There are many credit report and credit score offers to choose from. Here is some guidelines when you order your credit report.

Credit Report Offer	When you need this
3 Bureau Merged Credit Report	When this is your first time to see your credit report. When you need a comprehensive view of your credit history. When you want to get a major loan for a house or an automobile within six months. When you need to clean up your credit or improve it.
Single Credit Report (Equifax, Experian, Trans Union) If you don't know which credit reporting agency to choose from, select one that is preferred by your state of residency by clicking here.	When you know which credit report your lender uses. When you apply for a credit card. When you just want to see how you're doing with your credit.
3 Bureau Report with Credit Score (and Analysis)	When you want to get a major loan for a house or an automobile within six months. When you need to clean up your credit or improve it.
Credit Monitoring	When you are worried about identity theft. When you need to get your credit monitored. When you want to apply for a major loan in six months or later. When you need to clean up your credit or improve it When you need unlimited access to your credit report.
Credit Score (and Analysis)	When you want to get a major loan for a house or an automobile. When you want to get the same credit score as the lenders use. When you need to know how to improve your credit score.