Financial history

[syrnypolice]

I am under the impression that during the process you are asked about your credit history. I would assume I should know a little about my financial history. My problem is that I know I had some late payments and I might not have paid some stuff. Is there anyway I can get this info and try to right any wrongs I might have?
Also, I need to be completely honest about late payments and stuff, but I don’t know how to get that in formation. Is it something I should be concerned about? I have good credit now, but I know I made some bad choices in the past. Where could I get this information? I think there are a few credit agencies out there, but I don’t know who they are. And if it was never reported to a credit agency, do I need to worry about it? If so, where can I get the information for things that never made it to a creditor?
Sorry for rambling. I wasn’t sure how to ask these questions.

[phuzz01]

The three major credit bureaus are Transunion, Equifax, and Experion. I have found that the first two are the most popular, and I am sure you can look up your credit report online by going to one of their sites.

While something that isn't reported to the bureaus won't show up or affect you, just because something doesn't show up on one bureau doesn't mean it won't show up on another. The BI may look at one or all of the credit bureau reports.

As far as any black marks, it depends on the agency. Do whatever you can to pay off anything that is outstanding and clear up any accounts in bad standing. If they ask about it, tell them you have made some mistakes and that you are much more responsible now. Make sure you make all your payments on time from now on. The past is the past.

Alex

[Jeter]

Would paying off remaining debt at the last minute show that he is responsible now or would it just show that he paid off his debt because he's applying for the PD? I know that when getting a mortgage, paying off debt at the last minute is good but does it shed a light of responsibility when the department is looking at your history?

[mcsap]

Paying off bad debt at anytime is better than having outstanding bad debt now.

It is like taking a bath just before an interviwew. Did you do it to impress the panel or just to be clean ? It really doesn't matter, just do it.

[cecilVA]

Don't forget that being in debt won't usually disqualify you. Most people have some kind of debt, so as long as your are making your payments then you should be okay. If you have a history of late payments and getting in trouble with different companies that may raise some flags. Also if a collection agency has been called or if you have been delinquent on payments for an extended period of time, that can be worse. And I agree with mcsap, just pay it off if you are able to, it will show that you are making an effort to reconcile your credit.

[syrnypolice]

Yeah, The problem is, I have good credit now. I haven’t had a late payment in years. So I think I’m ok. I am also qualified for a home loan and I have two low balance credit cards that I rarely use. I think if there were something out there haunting me I would know about it. I was in the military though and bill collectors may have lost me because of the different location I have been in. I just want o make sure I have done everything to clean my record.

[cecilVA]

go to http://www.freecreditreport.com/lt/MB2/default.asp, it might help