Free Financial Counseling

Whether you are applying for first-time credit or are deep in debt, this section is for you. Credit management means successfully managing your credit by paying your debt obligations on time for the amount required. Establishing good credit habits at the beginning of your credit-use life will help when you need to buy a home, apply for a car loan, start your own business and manage your finances.

There are steps you can take to build a strong credit history:

• Review your credit report every year
• Pay your bills on time
• Limit the number of credit cards you hold
• Manage the amount of debt you hold
• Avoid bankruptcies and foreclosures

Credit reports include information on where you live and work, how you pay bills and your legal and bankruptcy background. Companies can sell your information to creditors, insurers, employers and may other businesses who evaluate your background to establish credit, employment, insurance, etc.

You have access to a free copy of your credit report, thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). At your request, the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. You can space out your requests and request one every few months. Request your free credit reports online by visiting annualcreditreport.com, by calling (877) 322-8228 or by completing the Annual Credit Request Form and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

When you order your credit report(s), be prepared to verify your identity - you may need to provide some information that only you would know, such as the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.

SDCCU is dedicated to providing accurate information to credit reporting agencies. If you believe information that has been reported to a credit reporting agency is incorrect, you may dispute the information by completing and submitting the Consumer Credit Reporting Dispute Form along with any documentation that substantiates your claim.

Credit Report