A | B
| C |
D | E |
F | G
| H |
I | J |
K | L
| M |
N | O |
P | Q
| R |
S | T |
U | V
| W |
X | Y |
Z
A
Account Condition
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).
Account number
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.
Accounts in Good Standing
Credit items that have a positive status and should reflect favorably on your creditworthiness.
Adjustment
Percentage of the debt that is to be repaid to the credit grantors in a Chapter
13 bankruptcy.
AKA
Also Known As
Annual fee
Credit card issuers often (but not always) require you to pay a special charge once
a year for the use of their service, usually between $15 and $55.
Annual percentage rate (APR)
A measure of how much interest credit will cost you, expressed as an annual percentage.
Application Scoring
In this case a statistical representation is used to estimate and ‘score’
credit applications as well as the data of the credit bureau to judge probable future
performance. The scores help business organizations take decision while accepting
or rejecting an application.
Authorized User
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.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
This allows customers to make banking transactions anywhere, anytime. By using
a debit or ATM card at an ATM, individuals can withdraw funds from their checking
or savings accounts, make a deposit or transfer money from one account to another.
Cash advances using a credit card at an ATM can also be obtained. Keep in
mind that many credit companies charge transaction fees, which generally range from
50 cents to $3 dollars or more per transaction, for using another bank's ATM.
Another method is to charge fees based on the amount of cash advanced.
B [back to top]
Balance Transfer
This is the procedure of moving an outstanding from one credit card Company
to a new.
Balance Transfer Fee
This is the amount of money taken from the cardholder when the outstanding
is transferred from a credit card to a new one.
Balloon Payments
A loan with a balloon payment requires that a single, lump-sum payment be made at
the end of the loan.
Bankruptcy
This is a procedure in the United States Bankruptcy Court that may lawfully
liberate an individual from paying his debts. A bankruptcy reflects on your credit
score for 7-10 years.
Bankruptcy Code
Federal laws governing the conditions and procedures under which persons claiming
inability to repay their debts can seek relief.
C [back to top]
Cash Advance
A user can get "on the spot" cash with his/her credit card at a bank
or ATM. The amount of the cash advance is deducted from his/her available line of
credit. A fee is normally incurred when obtaining cash advances. In addition, the
interest rate is usually higher than on purchases and typically there is no grace
period.
Cash Cards
This is like a prepaid phone card. This has a cash value and is debited
on use. If stolen, this can be used by the crook. This cannot be canceled
which is possible when it comes to a credit card.
Capacity
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 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that provides for court administered liquidation
of the assets of a financially troubled individual or business.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
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 12 Bankruptcy
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.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
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.
Charge-Off
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.
Civil Action
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.
Claim Amount
The amount awarded in a court action.
Closed Date
The date an account was closed.
Co-Branded Card
This is the credit card issued by a Brand and the bank under its name.
Both the brands are reflected on the card.
Co-maker
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.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
An organization that assists consumers in dealing with their credit problems.
Consumer Credit File
This is a credit bureau report prepared on an individual. This includes
the name, address, social security number, history of credit; records of collection,
public records for example tax liens and bankruptcy filings.
Collection
This is the attempt by the debt collection agencies to collect a previously
credited amount of a debt obligation.
Co-signer
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.
Credit Available
This is the balance between your credit limit and the amount you have already
spent. This amount keeps changing along with the balance.
Credit Bureau
This is a credit report agency which is a storehouse for information on
the credit ratings of an individual or a firm. This is often termed as “credit
repository” or a “consumer reporting agency”. The three largest credit bureaus
in United States are the Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.
Credit Bureau Risk Score
This is a score maintained with the resources from the three chief credit
bureaus. This gives a clear picture of a consumer’s credit risk and the capability
to repay debt.
Credit History
This is the documentation of how a debtor has dealt with his previous debts.
Credit Limit / Line of Credit
In open-end credit, the maximum amount a borrower can draw upon or the
maximum that an account can show as outstanding.
Credit obligation
This is a contract by which a consumer is lawfully bound to repay the borrowed
money or the credit that has been used already.
Credit Items
Information reported by current or past creditors.
Credit Report
Confidential report on a consumer’s payment habits as reported by their creditors
to a consumer credit reporting agency. The agency provides the information
to credit grantors who have a permissible purpose under the law to review the report.
Credit Risk
This is the chance that an individual will repay his or her loan as agreed
upon or not. Debtors who are expected to pay as agreed are less risky to creditors.
Credit Scoring
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.
Credit Insurance
This is a plan generally offered by a third party that covers at least
the smallest payment (often for a limited amount of time) in case the cardholder
loses a job, passes away, or is disabled.
Creditworthiness
The ability of a consumer to receive favorable consideration and approval for the
use of credit from an establishment to which they applied.
D [back to top]
Daily Periodic Rate
This is just the yearly percentage rate divided by 365 i.e. the number
of days in a year (frequently referred to as the ‘daily interest rate’).
Default
A default is an unsuccessful payment of a debt on the due date. Usually
an account is considered to be “in default” when it stays delinquent for several
successive 30-day billing cycles.
Date Filed
The date that a public record was awarded.
Date of Status
On the credit report, date the creditor last reported information about the account.
Date Opened
On the credit report, indicates the date an account was opened.
Date Resolved
The completion date or satisfaction date of a public record item.
Delinquent
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.
Discharge
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.
Disclosure
Providing the consumer with his or her credit history as required by the FCRA.
Dismissed
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.
Dispute
If a consumer believes an item of information on their credit report is inaccurate
or incomplete, they may challenge, or dispute the item. Items can be investigated
and corrected or remove any inaccurate information or information that cannot be
verified. Consumers have the option of disputing online or they may call the telephone
number on their credit report for assistance.
E [back to top]
ECOA
Standard abbreviation for Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The Federal law prohibits
favoritism in credit. The ECOA first came to action in 1974 as Title VII of the
Consumer Credit Protection Act.
End-user
The business that receives the report for decision making purposes that meet the
permissible purpose requirements of the FCRA.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
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.
Equifax
One of the three national credit reporting agencies, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga.
The other two are Experian and TransUnion.
Experian
One of the three national credit reporting agencies, with U.S. headquarters in Costa
Mesa, CA. The other two are Equifax and TransUnion.
F [back to top]
Fair Credit and Charge Card Disclosure Act
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.
Fair Credit Billing Act
Federal legislation that provides a specific error resolution procedure to protect
credit card customers from making payments on inaccurate billings.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Federal legislation governing the actions of credit reporting agencies.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
Federal legislation prohibiting abusive and unfair debt collection practices.
FICO Scores
The Credit Bureau Risk Scores are formed with the help of the models created
by Fair Isaac Corporation and are called FICO scores. These scores are used
by creditors and others to judge the credit risk of potential borrowers or existing
debtors. Proper credit and marketing decisions are the results of this score.
The information obtainable on credit bureau reports result in derivation of these
scores.
Fixed Interest Rate
A charge (usually 1% to 2%) is imposed by the credit card issuer, based
on the expenditure, when a cardholder uses the credit card outside United States.
This is termed the fixed interest rate.
Finance Charge
Amount of interest. Finance charges are usually included in the monthly payment
total.
Fixed Rate
An annual percentage rate that does not change.
G [back to top]
Generation Identifier
Generation identifiers are Jr., Sr., II, III, IV, etc.
Geographical Code
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 CodeTM.
Grace Period
The time period you have to pay a bill in full and avoid interest charges.
Guarantor
Person responsible for paying a bill.
H [back to top]
High Balance
The highest amount that you have owed on an account to date.
I [back to top]
Installment Credit
Credit accounts in which the debt is divided into amounts to be paid successively
at specified intervals.
Investigation
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 provide corrected information to update the report.
Investigative Consumer Reports
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.
Involuntary Bankruptcy
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.
Item-specific Statement
Offers an explanation about a particular trade or public record item on your report,
and it displays with that item on the credit report.
Inquiry
This is an entry on a consumer’s credit report which tells you that someone
with a “permissible purpose” (under FCRA rules) has formerly requested for a duplicate
of the consumer’s report. Fair Isaac Credit Bureau Risk Scores consider only
inquiries pertaining to and resulting from a consumer’s loan request.
Installment Debt
This is a debt to be repaid in regular installments over a specific period
of time. Car loans and mortgage are examples of installment debt.
Insurance Bureau Score
This is insurance ranking, based on information stored at the foremost
credit bureaus. It provides with a snapshot of a person’s insurance risk at a particular
point in time. It helps an insurer to work out the fresh and renewal car and homeowner
insurance plans.
J [back to top]
Judgment Granted
The determination of a court upon matters submitted to it. A final determination
of the rights of the parties involved in the lawsuit.
L [back to top]
Late Payment
A late payment is a delinquent payment. It is a unsuccessful payment
of a loan or debt on or prior to the time decided.
Last Reported
On the credit report, the date the creditor last reported information about the
account.
Liability amount
Amount for which you are legally obligated to a creditor.
Lien
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.
Line of Credit
In open-end credit, the maximum amount a borrower can draw upon or the maximum that
an account can show as outstanding.
Location Number
The book and page number on which the item is filed in the court records.
M [back to top]
Mortgage Identification Number (MIN)
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.
Most Recent Date
The date of the recent account condition or payment status. This date is also
the balance date.
N [back to top]
Notice of Results
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.
O [back to top]
Obsolescence
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 they're
usaully are remove after 15 years.
Opt In
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 (1 888 567 8688).
Opt Out
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
(1 888 567 8688).
Original Amount
The original amount owed to a creditor.
P [back to top]
Pay-down Program
These are the steps for paying down a credit card balance. At first,
discontinue charging on the card and make the standard monthly minimum payment by
the due date. Then, after two weeks, send half the amount again, and two weeks
later, half again. Keep repeating the half payments on the two-week plan till the
balance is paid.
Payment Status
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.)
Permissible Purposes
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.
Personal Information
Information on your personal credit report associated with your records that has
been reported 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.
Personal Statement
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.
Petition
If a consumer files a bankruptcy, but a judge has not yet ruled that it can proceed,
it is known as bankruptcy petitioned.
Plaintiff
One who initially brings legal action against another (defendant) seeking a court
decision.
Potentially Negative Items
Any potentially negative credit items or public records that may have an effect
on your creditworthiness as viewed by creditors.
Public Record Data
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.
R [back to top]
Recent Balance
The most recent balance owed on an account as reported by the creditor.
Recent Payment
The most recent amount paid on an account as reported by the creditor.
Released
This means that a lien has been satisfied in full.
Report Number
A number that uniquely identifies each personal credit report. This number
displays on your personal credit report and should always be referenced when you
contact the credit agencies.
Reported Since
On the credit report, the date the creditor started reporting the account to the
credit report.
Repossession
A creditor’s taking possession of property pledged as collateral on a loan contract
on which a borrower has fallen significantly behind in payments.
Request an Investigation
If you believe that information on your report is inaccurate, we will ask the sources
of the information to check their records at no cost to you. Incorrect information
will be corrected; information that cannot be verified will be deleted. Credit
agencies cannot remove accurate information. An investigation may take up
to 30 days. When it is complete, the credit agency or agnecies will send you
the results.
Request for Your Credit History
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.
Responsibility
Indicates who is responsible for an account; can be single, joint, co-signer, etc.
Revolving Account
Credit automatically available up to a predetermined maximum limit so long as a
customer makes regular payments.
Revolving Debt
This is the debt owed so that the debtor can frequently use and repay without
reapplying each time the credit is used. A Credit Card is an example of revolving
debt.
Risk Scoring Models
A numerical determination of a consumer’s creditworthiness. Tool used by credit
grantors to predict future payment behavior of a consumer.
S [back to top]
Satisfied
If the consumer has paid all of the money the court says he owes, the public record
item is satisfied.
Secured Credit
Loan for which some form of acceptable collateral, such as a house or automobile
has been pledged. Security 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.
Secured Credit Card
This is a type of credit card wherein the card holder has to have a savings
account in order to secure the line of credit for that card. The savings account
has to be maintained at 50%-100% of the actual line of credit.
Security Alert
Statement that is added once, Credit agencies are 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.
Service Credit
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.
Settle
Reach an agreement with a lender to repay only part of the original debt.
Source
The business or organization that supplied certain information that appears on the
credit report.
Status
On the credit report, this indicates the current status or state of the account.
T [back to top]
Terms
This refers to the debt repayment terms of your agreement with a creditor, such
as 60 months, 48 months, etc.
Third-Party Collectors
Collectors who are under contract to collect debts for a credit department or credit
company; collection agency.
Tradeline
Entry by a credit grantor to a consumer’s credit history maintained by a credit
reporting agency. 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.
Transaction fees
Fees charged for certain use of your credit line – for example, to get a cash advance
from an ATM.
TransUnion
One of three national credit reporting agencies. The other two are Experian and
Equifax.
Truth in Lending Act
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.
Type
This refers to the type of credit agreement made with a creditor; for example, a
revolving account or installment loan.
U [back to top]
Unsecured Credit
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.
V [back to top]
Vacated
Indicates a judgment that was rendered void or set aside.
Variable Rate
An annual percentage rate that may change over time as the prime lending rate varies
or according to your contract with the lender.
Verification
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.
Victim Statement
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.
Voluntary Bankruptcy
If a consumer files the bankruptcy on his own, it is known as voluntary bankruptcy.
W [back to top]
Wage assignment
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.
Warning Signs
Warning signs are the signals that the credit bureaus search in credit
card customers’ credit report. They comprise of frequent late payments, over-the-limit
fees, and regular balance transfers.
Withdrawn
This means a decision was made not to pursue a bankruptcy, a lien, etc. after court
documents have been filed.
Writ of Replevin
Legal document issued by a court authorizing repossession of security.
Workout specialists
This term refers to representatives from banks who help restructure loans/debt
when borrowers are in default.
Z [back to top]
Zero Balance
A zero balance reflects on a credit cardholder’s bill when the outstanding
balance has been paid and new charges have not been made all through the billing
cycle.