Putting That Equifax Credit Report in Context (cont.)
Contributed by Alix Mcmurray
The "Eye Candy" Aspect of Your Equifax Credit Report
The Equifax format is easy to read, and logically organized. Your demographic and contact information head the report, followed by any standing alerts activated by theft. Account information is laid out in grid fashion, with categories for account type, opening date,current balance, delinquencies, and available credit limit. Online, accounts can be searched and sorted by their type (mortgage, installment, revolving),by their standing (in good standing, past due), and their status (open, closed).
Negative history can be searched independently. You can also see a display of inquiries made of your report in the last 12 months and during the past several years. Online, font size and style can be adjusted for greater legibility.
Like Banks, Credit Bureaus are Offering an Array of Products to Entice You, the Consumer
Have you noticed how banks in the last several years have become more aggressive in pitching their services? No longer do they merely offer a checking or savings account and perhaps a safe deposit box. Now they are in the business of "cross-selling" other products such as annuities and mortgage loans to their existing customers. It is no different for credit bureaus.
Equifax sells a package consisting of their own credit report on you along with those of the other big two, and even has a gift program so you can buy a friend or loved one a copy of their credit report. Life in the Information Age is changing even how we show our esteem of one another.
