Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The US federal law that regulates how credit bureaus (Consumer Reporting Agencies) collect, use, and share your credit information. The FCRA gives you the right to see your credit report, dispute inaccuracies, and limits how long negative information can remain on your report.
Related guides
- Full credit & FICO® glossary
Browse all defined terms by category.
- Credit Bureau
A company that collects and maintains credit information about consumers and provides credit reports to lenders, creditors, and consumers. The three major US credit bureaus are Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Also called Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
- Credit Report
A detailed record of your credit history maintained by each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax). Contains personal information, account history, payment records, public records, and credit inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
What does Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) mean?
The US federal law that regulates how credit bureaus (Consumer Reporting Agencies) collect, use, and share your credit information. The FCRA gives you the right to see your credit report, dispute inaccuracies, and limits how long negative information can remain on your report.
Is Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.