Credit Reports
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Credit Report issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Free Credit Reports
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission provides information on how to obtain the reports and what to do with them.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
Credit Reports & Credit Discrimination
Information about your right to credit from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.
Credit Card Facts
Information for consumers on the use of credit cards from MidPenn Legal Services.
Getting or Cosigning for Credit
Information on obtaining credit from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.
How Do I Get a Free Credit Report?
Information from Northwestern Legal Services about how you can get a free credit report.
Credit Reporting Problems
Information about credit reporting problems from the Erie County Bar Association.
Know Your Credit Rights
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Free Credit Reports
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission provides information on how to obtain the reports and what to do with them.
Disputing Errors on Credit Reports
Your credit report contains information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy. The Federal Trade Commission provides information on your rights under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act to ensure the information in that report is accurate.
Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act [PDF]
Information from the Federal Trade Commission on your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Credit Cards - Consumer Guide
This site--maintained by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, whose goal is to protect the credit rights of consumers--provides a basic guide to navigating the credit card process.
How can I improve my credit score? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information on tools and resources that can help you improve your credit score.
How do I dispute an error on my credit report? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau tells you what to do if you noticed an error on one of your credit reports.
How do I get a copy of my credit report? (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains how to get a copy of your credit report to make sure it is correct and accurate.
Money Matters - Dealing With Debt
If you are behind in paying your bills, you can expect to hear from a debt collector. This website from the Federal Trade Commission explains your rights and options when dealing with a debt collector or money problems.
Three ways to build your credit score (Video)
This video from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information on three trusted methods to help you improve your credit score.