How to Add Creditors to Credit Reports

Most creditors are automatically added to your credit report as soon as your account is opened or approved. However, if you notice that there are creditors missing from your credit report, you may be able to have them added directly. By maintaining an accurate record of your good credit history, you will be able to ensure that your credit scores properly reflect your creditworthiness.

Instructions

1

Check your credit reports. Before you attempt to add a creditor to your reports, you should verify that they are not already listed. You can obtain a free credit report yearly from each of the three major bureaus. If you've already taken advantage of your free yearly report, and your state does not allow for an additional report, you will have to pay a nominal fee in order to access the information.

2

Confirm your creditors' information. For each creditor you wish to add, have an address, telephone number, the length of time the account has been open, and account number available. This will increase your chances of having the creditor added to your report the first time.

3

Contact each credit bureau and request the addition. Write to each credit bureau individually. In the letter, ask that the account be verified and included on your account, along with the verifiable payment history. Provide accurate contact information to each bureau so that your identity can be confirmed before the creditor will be added.

4

Confirm the addition. After giving the credit bureau time to act on your request, check your credit report again. It may take from 30 to 90 days for the account to be added, so you may not hear from the credit bureaus right away. If your creditor does not confirm the account with the credit bureaus, you may not be able to get the creditor listed on your credit report.