What 3 Companies Measure Your Credit Score?

When it comes time to check your credit report, the Federal Trade Commission recommends that you use Annual Credit Report, which then recommends three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. While there are other credit reporting companies, these three are the most widely known and trusted.

Equifax

For over 100 years, Equifax has provided businesses and consumers with credit information and solutions. According to the Wall Street Journal Market Watch, it was incorporated in 1913 in Georgia, though it dates back to 1899. Headquartered in Atlanta, Equifax also has locations around the world, including Latin America and Europe, and is a member of Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Equifax is most well known for offering consumers access to their credit report. The company is also a source for obtaining and understanding personal credit information, and it provides a variety of services to businesses. Through the Equifax website, consumers may access their free annual credit report, correct any errors or initiate a fraud alert.

Experian

Experian was formed in 1996 from the combination of TRW Information Systems and the CCN Group under the GUS corporation. Experian is a credit reporting agency for businesses and consumers, but it also offers other services such as marketing and automated tools to streamline business decisions. Customers can turn to Experian to not only see their credit score, but also for identity theft protection advice and services, while businesses can make use of its debt recovery and risk management products. Credit reports, credit scores, educational material and tools for improving credit scores are available on the company website.

TransUnion

TransUnion began in 1968 as a parent holding company by the Union Tank Car Company, then merged with the Credit Bureau of Cook County in 1969, according to Go Banking Rates. In addition to making consumer and business credit scores and credit score analysis available for customers, TransUnion also provides credit monitoring, credit report dispute assistance and identity theft protection. Businesses use TransUnion for screening potential tenants for rental agreements. This includes checking their credit and criminal background history. TransUnion also offers debt collection services and prescreening tools for auto loans.