Knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to understanding your personal credit history. A survey from Experian finds that 25% of U.S. Hispanic-Latinos want to know what information on a credit report means, 45% are interested in learning how to build credit and 50% want to know how to keep their credit score high. Clear evidence that it’s important to many people to get their credit report in Spanish.
New Resources
Now, new efforts are being made to support the financial wellness of this growing community. Experian, one of the nation’s credit bureaus, has made Spanish-language credit reports accessible and downloadable online. Consumers can get an Experian credit report by enrolling in a free or paid membership at experian.com/gratis. The offering allows you to see your Experian Spanish-language credit report, keep track of your credit and leverage a variety of financial tools and features all in one place, including access to credit monitoring, an auto insurance comparison shopping service, credit card marketplace, credit education and more. You can also call to request an Experian Spanish-language credit report via mail.
Aside from Experian credit reports, all other services associated with an Experian membership are available in English only. English fluency is required for full access to Experian’s products. However, additional Spanish-language resources are available from Experian, including a credit e-book and educational articles on the Ask Experian blog, found at experian.com/blogs/ask-experian.
Reading Your Credit Report
While the thought of reading your credit report may feel daunting, it’s important to understand what it contains and to check it for accuracy. Here is generally the information you will find in your Experian credit report:
1. Personal information: Such as full name, address, current and past employers.
2. Accounts: All open loans and credit card accounts and up to seven years of monthly payment records for each; closed accounts including paid-off loans and credit card accounts; accounts turned over to collections, foreclosures and repossessions, if applicable.
3. Inquiries: Hard inquires that are associated with applications for new credit; soft inquires that occur when your credit report is checked for other reasons, such as credit prequalification.
4. Public records: Includes bankruptcy, if applicable.
Why a Credit Profile is Important
A credit report and favorable credit score can potentially help you secure loans, lines of credit and housing, as it suggests to lenders, landlords and other decision makers that you have a positive history of financial management and bill payments.
If you’re new to the United States or just starting out on your credit journey, it’s wise to establish a credit profile as soon as possible. You can open a credit card and make small purchases to then pay off easily. You can also establish an Experian credit file directly by using a free program called Experian Go. This allows you to create a credit report for the first time without incurring debt.
“Understanding credit history and what’s included in a credit report is crucial for financial success,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of public education and advocacy at Experian. “Making credit reports available in Spanish broadens access to the information and tools people need to reach their financial goals.”
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