The Most Reliable Credit Reporting Agencies

Credit reports are used for a number of instances throughout a consumer's lifetime. In addition to checking a report in order to grant new credit accounts, potential employers, utility companies and insurance companies can also access a consumer's credit file before granting service or extending an offer of employment. As of 2010, three major credit bureaus are responsible for reporting the payment history and account information of consumers.

Equifax

Equifax has more than 100 years of experience providing both business and consumers with access to credit reports and scores. The company is headquartered in Atlanta and has employees throughout North America, Latin America and Europe. In addition to providing a full credit report and score to consumers and businesses, Equifax also provides credit monitoring and protection services to individuals. Consumers may choose to receive monitoring from all three credit bureaus, with notifications sent if there is a change in the information contained in the report. The company also offers the opportunity to track the consumer's Equifax credit score and suggested plans that are designed to help consumers pay down debt faster while raising their credit scores. As of 2010, Equifax products range from $12.95 to $16.95 per month.

Experian

Experian was founded in 1980 and has grown to provide credit information services to consumers and businesses in more than 65 countries worldwide. The company has corporate offices in California and Illinois with regional offices throughout the world. New customers to Experian can check their credit reports through a seven-day trial that includes their Experian credit score and a trial of Triple Advantage Credit Monitoring Services. The company also offers consumers access to all three credit reports and scores, as well as daily monitoring services for all three bureaus. Identity theft protection and email alerts for key changes to the report are also available. As of 2010, Experian products range from $12.95 to $39.95 per month.

TransUnion

TransUnion was founded in 1968 and maintains credit reports of 500 million consumers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Chicago and provides services to businesses and consumers in 25 countries throughout North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. The company offers new customers a free trial of its services including monitoring of all three credit bureaus and a free TransUnion credit score. TransUnion will also assist consumers who are victims of fraud or identity theft and offers up to $25,000 in identity theft insurance. Consumers also receive personalized credit trending and debt analysis to determine ways to increase their credit scores.

Also offered by TransUnion is zendough services, providing detailed information regarding credit scores, account summaries, credit and ID email alerts and a consumer's credit score and grade. Prices for TransUnion services vary depending on the selected program and are available upon request.