Uh-oh: Credit Trouble

When you've been turned down

A creditor may make a decision to turn you down for credit based on a variety of reasons. If at least part of that decision was reliance on a credit bureau report, then they must tell you this, including the name and address of the credit bureau used in the decision making process.

You can then write to the credit bureau, stating that you were denied credit, insurance, employment (or whatever is appropriate), and that you want a copy of the report. If you request it within 60 days after you were turned down for credit based on that bureau's report then, by law, the bureau must provide a free report.