Indicates the present state of the account, but does not indicate the payment history of the account that led to the current state. (i.e. open, paid, charge off, repossession, settled, foreclosed, etc).


The unique number assigned by a creditor to identify your account with them. Experian removes several digits of each account number on the credit report as a fraud prevention measure.


Credit items that have a positive status and should reflect favorably on your creditworthiness.


Percentage of the debt that is to be repaid to the credit grantors in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.


Also Known As


A complex mathematical model. In credit scoring, it is used to compare data in millions of credit reports and predict a person’s likelihood to repay debts.


A measure of how much interest credit will cost you, expressed as an annual percentage.


A person applying for credit privileges, employment or some other benefit.


Anything you own that has value or use.


The person authorized by the contractually responsible party to use the account.

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Person permitted by a credit cardholder to charge goods and services on the cardholder’s account but who is not responsible for repayment of the debt. The account displays on the credit reports of the cardholder as well as the authorized user. If you wish to have your name permanently removed as an authorized user on an account, you will need to notify the credit grantor.


A loan with a balloon payment requires that a single, lump-sum payment be made at the end of the loan.


A proceeding in U.S. Federal Court that may legally release a person from repaying debts owed. The law contains several chapters which relate to different methods of relief:


Federal laws governing the conditions and procedures under which persons claiming inability to repay their debts can seek relief.


A court order terminating bankruptcy proceedings on old debts.


A court order that denied one\’s bankruptcy petition making the debtor still liable for all debts.


A financial plan for saving and spending money.


Factor in determining creditworthiness. Capacity is assessed by weighing a borrower’s earning ability and the likelihood of continuing income against the amount of debt the borrower carries at the time the application for credit is made. While capacity may be considered in a credit decision, the credit report does not contain information about earning ability or the likelihood of continuing income.


Chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that is usually used for the reorganization of a financially troubled business. Used as an alternative to liquidation under Chapter 7. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that an individual may also use Chapter 11.


Chapter of the Bankruptcy Code adopted to address the financial crisis of the nation’s farming community. Cases under this chapter are administered like Chapter 11 cases, but with special protections to meet the special conditions of family farm operations.

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Chapter of the Bankruptcy Code in which debtors repay debts according to a plan accepted by the debtor, the creditors and the court. Plan payments usually come from the debtor’s future income and are paid to creditors through the court system and the bankruptcy trustee.


Chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that provides for court administered liquidation of the assets of a financially troubled individual or business.


A card which requires payment in full upon receipt of the statement.


Accounting term to indicate that the creditor does not expect to collect a balance owing on an account.


Action of transferring accounts deemed uncollectible to a category such as bad debt or loss. Collectors will usually continue to solicit payments, but the accounts are no longer considered part of a company’s receivable or profit picture.


Any court action against a consumer to regain money for someone else. Usually, it will be a wage assignment, child support judgment, small claims judgment or a civil judgment.


The amount awarded in a court action.


The date an account was closed.


Person who pledges in writing as part of a credit contract to repay the debt if the borrower fails to do so. The account displays on both the borrower’s and the co-signer’s credit reports.


A creditworthy co-maker is sometimes required in situations where an applicant’s qualifications are marginal. A co-maker is legally responsible to repay the charges in the joint account agreement.

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Person responsible for repaying a debt if the borrower defaults.


Property acceptable as security for a loan or other obligation.


A creditor’s attempt to recover a past-due payment by turning the account over to a collection department or company. Having a debt in collection is a serious negative item on a credit report.


Refers to the status of an account owed to a creditor when it has been transferred from a routine debt to a Collection Department of the creditor’s firm or to a separate professional debt collecting firm.


A loan usually obtained for the purpose of reducing the amount of the payments of bills owing by consolidating the bills into one loan payment. The consumer pays off several bills with the proceeds from one loan and is left with one consolidated monthly payment.


Person who uses and/or buys goods and services for family or personal use.


Organizations which help consumers find a way to repay debts through careful budgeting and management of funds. These are usually nonprofit organizations, funded by creditors. By requesting that creditors accept a longer pay-off period, the counseling services can often work out a successful repayment plan. Consumer Credit Counseling Service has offices throughout the United States that can be located by calling 800 388 CCCS (2227)


A trust or a promise to pay later for goods or services purchased today.


A credit-reporting agency that is a clearinghouse for information on the credit rating of individuals or firms. Often called a credit repository or a consumer reporting agency.


A rectangular piece of plastic used instead of cash or checks authorizing payment for goods and services.

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Person or business furnishing consumer goods and/or services on credit.


A record of a person’s use of credit over time.


Information reported by current or past creditors.


The maximum amount of money you can charge on a particular credit account.


In open-end credit, the maximum amount a borrower can draw upon or the maximum that an account can show as outstanding.


Individuals or Companies that promise to "clean-up" or "erase" your bad credit and give you a fresh start. Also know as Credit Clinics.


The measure of a person’s creditworthiness. People who are more likely to repay their debts on time are considered a better risk by lenders, and will be charged lower interest rates for borrowing money.


Tool used by credit grantors to provide an objective means of determining risks in granting credit. Credit scoring increases efficiency and timely response in the credit granting process. Credit scoring criteria is set by the credit grantor.


The ability of a consumer to receive favorable consideration and approval for the use of credit from an establishment to which they applied.


The date that a public record was awarded.

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On the credit report, date the creditor last reported information about the account.


On the credit report, indicates the date an account was opened.


The completion date or satisfaction date of a public record item.


The amount of money a person has in outstanding debt, compared to the amount of credit available on all of the individual’s credit cards and credit lines. The higher a person’s debt to available credit, the more risky the individual appears to potential lenders.


A designation on a credit report that indicates a person has not paid a debt that was owed. Accounts usually are listed as being in default after several reports of delinquency. Defaults are a serious negative item on a credit report.


Accounts classified into categories according to the time past due. Common classifications are 30, 60, 90 and 120 days past due. Special classifications also include charge-off, repossession, transferred, etc.


Granted by the court to release a debtor from most of his debts that were included in a bankruptcy. Any debts not included in the bankruptcy – alimony, child support, liability for willful and malicious conduct and certain student loans – cannot be discharged.


Providing the consumer with his or her credit history as required by the FCRA. Experian provides consumer credit report disclosures via the Internet, by U.S. Mail or in person at our office location in Santa Ana, CA.


When a consumer files a bankruptcy, the judge may decide to not allow the consumer to continue with the bankruptcy. If the judge rules against the petition, the bankruptcy is known as dismissed.


If a consumer believes an item of information on their credit report is inaccurate or incomplete, they may challenge, or dispute the item. Credit bureaus are mandated to investigate, correct and/or remove any inaccurate information or information that cannot be verified.

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The business that receives the report for decision making purposes that meet the permissible purpose requirements of the FCRA.


Federal law, which prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of sex, marital status, race, color, religion, age, and/or receipt of public assistance.


One of the three national credit reporting agencies, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. The other two are Experian and TransUnion.


One of the three national credit reporting agencies, with U.S. headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA. The other two are Equifax and TransUnion.


Amendments to the Truth In Lending Act that require the disclosure of the costs involved in credit card plans that are offered by mail, telephone or applications distributed to the general public.


Federal legislation that provides a specific error resolution procedure to protect credit card customers from making payments on inaccurate billings.


Federal legislation governing the actions of credit reporting agencies.


Federal legislation prohibiting abusive and unfair debt collection practices.


Amount of interest. Finance charges are usually included in the monthly payment total.


An annual percentage rate that does not change.

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Generation identifiers are Jr., Sr., II, III, IV, etc.


This information is received from the Census Bureau and represents the state, Metropolitan Statistical Area, county, tract and block group of the reported address. This code is similar to a ZIP code.


The time period you have to pay a bill in full and avoid interest charges.


Person responsible for paying a bill.


The highest amount that you have owed on an account to date.


Credit accounts in which the debt is divided into amounts to be paid successively at specified intervals.


The process a consumer credit reporting agency goes through in order to verify credit report information disputed by a consumer. The credit grantor who supplied the information is contacted and asked to review the information and report back; they will tell the credit reporting agency that the information is accurate as it appears, or they will give us corrected information to update the report.


These are consumer reports that are usually done for background checks, security clearances and other sensitive jobs. An investigative consumer report might contain information obtained from a credit report, but it is more comprehensive than a credit report. It contains subjective material on an individual’s character, habits and mode of living, which is obtained through interviews of associates. Experian does not provide investigative consumer reports.


A petition filed by certain credit grantors to have a debtor judged bankrupt. If the bankruptcy is granted, it is known as an involuntary bankruptcy.


Offers an explanation about a particular trade or public record item on your report, and it displays with that item on the credit report.

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The determination of a court upon matters submitted to it. A final determination of the rights of the parties involved in the lawsuit.


On the credit report, the date the creditor last reported information about the account.


Amount for which you are legally obligated to a creditor.


Legal document used to create a security interest in another’s property. A lien is often given as a security for the payment of a debt. A lien can be placed against a consumer for failure to pay the city, county, state or federal government money that is owed. It means that the consumer’s property is being used as collateral during repayment of the money that is owed.


In open-end credit, the maximum amount a borrower can draw upon or the maximum that an account can show as outstanding.


The book and page number on which the item is filed in the court records.


Indicates that a loan is registered with Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., which tracks the ownership of mortgage rights. This number will follow the homeowner throughout the mortgage.


The date of the recent account condition or payment status. This date is also the balance date.

If your investigation results in information being updated or deleted, you may request that we send the corrected information in your credit history to eligible credit grantors and employers who reviewed your information within a specific period of time. If your investigation does not result in a change to your credit history, results will not be sent to other lenders.


A term used to describe how long negative information should stay in a credit file before it’s not relevant to the credit granting decision. The FCRA has determined the obsolescence period to be 10 years in the case of bankruptcy and 7 years in all other instances. Unpaid tax liens may remain indefinitely, although Experian removes them after 15 years.


The ability of a consumer who has opted out to have their name re-added to prescreened credit and insurance offer lists, direct marketing lists and individual reference service lists. Consumers who have previously opted out of receiving prescreened offers may have their names added to prescreened lists for credit and insurance offers by calling 1 888 5OPTOUT (1 888 521 8688).


The ability of the consumer to notify credit reporting agencies, direct marketers and list compilers to remove their name from all future lists. Consumers may opt out of prescreened credit and insurance offer lists by calling 1 888 5OPTOUT (1 888 521 8688).


The original amount owed to a creditor.


Reflects the previous history of the account, including any delinquencies or derogatory conditions occurring during the previous seven years (i.e., Current account, delinquent 30, current was 60, redeemed repossession, charge-off – now paying, etc.)


There are legally defined permissible purposes for a credit report to be issued to a third party. Permissible purposes include credit transactions, employment purposes, insurance underwriting, government financial responsibility laws, court orders, subpoenas, written instructions of the consumer, legitimate business needs, etc.


Information on your personal credit report associated with your records that has been reported to us by you, your creditors and other sources. It may include name variations, your driver’s license number, Social Security number variations, your date or year of birth, your spouse’s name, your employers, your telephone numbers, and information about your residence.


You may request that a general explanation about the information on your report be added to your report. The statement remains for two years and displays to anyone who reviews your credit information.

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If a consumer files a bankruptcy, but a judge has not yet ruled that it can proceed, it is known as bankruptcy petitioned.


One who initially brings legal action against another (defendant) seeking a court decision.


Any potentially negative credit items or public records that may have an effect on your creditworthiness as viewed by creditors.


Included as part of the credit report, this information is limited to tax liens, lawsuits and judgments that relate to the consumer’s debt obligations.


The most recent balance owed on an account as reported by the creditor.


The most recent amount paid on an account as reported by the creditor.


This means that a lien has been satisfied in full.


On the credit report, the date the creditor started reporting the account to the credit agency.


A creditor’s taking possession of property pledged as collateral on a loan contract on which a borrower has fallen significantly behind in payments.


When a credit grantor, direct marketer or potential employer makes a request for information from a consumer’s credit report, an inquiry is shown on the report. Grantors only see credit inquiries generated by other grantors as a result of an application of some kind, while consumers see all listed inquiries including prescreened and direct marketing offers, as well as employment inquiries. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit grantors with a permissible purpose may inquire about your credit information prior to your consent. This section also includes the date of the inquiry and how long the inquiry will remain on your report.

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Indicates who is responsible for an account; can be single, joint, co-signer, etc.


Credit automatically available up to a predetermined maximum limit so long as a customer makes regular payments.


A numerical determination of a consumer’s creditworthiness. Tool used by credit grantors to predict future payment behavior of a consumer.


If the consumer has paid all of the money the court says he owes, the public record item is satisfied.


Loan for which some form of acceptable collateral, such as a house or automobile has been pledged.


Real or personal property that a borrower pledges for the term of a loan. Should the borrower fail to repay, the creditor may take ownership of the property by following legally mandated procedures.


Statement that is added once a credit agency is notified that a consumer may be a victim of fraud. It remains on file for 90 days and requests that a creditor request proof of identification before granting credit in that person’s name.


Agreements with service providers. You receive goods, such as electricity, and services, such as apartment rental and health club memberships, with the agreement that you will pay for them each month. Your contract may require payments for a specific number of months, even if you stop the service.


Reach an agreement with a lender to repay only part of the original debt


The business or organization that supplied certain information that appears on the credit report.

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On the credit report, this indicates the current status or state of the account.


This refers to the debt repayment terms of your agreement with a creditor, such as 60 months, 48 months, etc.


Collectors who are under contract to collect debts for a credit department or credit company; collection agency.


An account listed on a credit report. Each separate account is a different trade line. A tradeline describes the consumer’s account status and activity. Tradeline information includes names of companies where the applicant has accounts, dates accounts were opened, credit limits, types of accounts, balances owed and payment histories.


Fees charged for certain use of your credit line – for example, to get a cash advance from an ATM.


One of three national credit reporting agencies. The other two are Experian and Equifax.


Title I of the Consumer Protection Act. Requires that most categories of lenders disclose the annual interest rate, the total dollar cost and other terms of loans and credit sales.


This refers to the type of credit agreement made with a creditor; for example, a revolving account or installment loan.


Credit for which no collateral has been pledged. Loans made under this arrangement are sometimes called signature loans; in other words, a loan is granted based only on the customer’s words, through signing an agreement that the loan amount will be paid.


Indicates a judgment that was rendered void or set aside.

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An annual percentage rate that may change over time as the prime lending rate varies or according to your contract with the lender.


Verifying whether data in a credit report is correct or not. Initiated by consumers when they question some information in their file. Credit reporting agencies will accept authentic documentation from the consumer that will help in the verification.


A statement that can be added to a consumer’s credit report to alert credit grantors that a consumer’s identification has been used fraudulently to obtain credit. The statement requests the credit grantor to contact the consumer by telephone before issuing credit. It remains on file for 7 years unless the consumer requests that it be removed.


If a consumer files the bankruptcy on his own, it is known as voluntary bankruptcy.


A signed agreement by a buyer or borrower, permitting a creditor to collect a certain portion of the debtor’s wages from an employer in the event of default.


This means a decision was made not to pursue a bankruptcy, a lien, etc. after court documents have been filed.


Legal document issued by a court authorizing repossession of security.