Reporting an account to the credit bureaus is a simple task that requires little effort. It is important that your credit report reflect an accurate picture of your payment history since its contents can have a major impact on your life. Credit reports are used by prospective employers, insurance agencies, lenders and landlords, so make sure all of your accounts in good standing are included.

Credit Report

Get your current credit report from the official site to obtain a credit report from the three nationwide credit agencies. Go online to AnnualCreditReport.com and print the reports you receive from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Check the reports from each bureau to make sure that the account you want to add does not appear. Not all creditors report to all three credit bureaus.

Contact Credit Bureaus

Contact each of the credit bureaus and request that your account be added to your credit file. You'll need to make your request in writing and provide supporting documentation such as identification and account information. Keep copies of your correspondence and never send originals. Equifax
 
 
 P.O. Box 740241 
 
 
 Atlanta, GA 30374 
 
 
 (888) 685-1111 
 
 
 equifax.com

 

 

 TransUnion 
 
 
 2 Baldwin Place 
 
 
 P.O. Box 2000 
 
 
 Chester, PA 19022 
 
 
 (800) 888-4213 
 
 
 transunion.com

 

 

 Experian
 
 
 
 P.O. Box 9595 
 
 
 Allen, TX 75013 
 
 
 (888) 397-3742 
 
 
 experian.com

Contact Creditors

Contact your creditor and ask that your account be reported to each of the credit bureaus on a monthly basis. Provide the creditor with the credit bureaus' contact information and your account information, including your payment history.

Tips

Credit-reporting agencies allow you to add a consumer statement to your credit file. This statement could explain your newly added debt, or clarify other accounts or errors. The statement remains on your credit report until you request that it be removed, and it could be taken into consideration by lenders granting credit.

Warnings

Adding a verifiable debt to your credit files might cost you, so check the policies of the credit bureaus. Be aware that credit-reporting agencies may decline your request to add a new account.

Source:

FTC.gov: How to Dispute Credit Report Errors

AnnualCreditReport.com: Free Annual Credit Report

More Information:

Equifax.com: Credit Report FAQs

TransUnion.com: Credit Dispute FAQs