Your credit report contains a list of every member creditor who has lent you money or provided you with credit in any way, at a given time. It shows your charge accounts, automobile loans, bank and student loans, home mortgage, and any other credit-related transaction. It also shows when the credit line was opened, the highest amount you ever borrowed, how much you owe now, and whether you were late or you've missed any payment.

Your credit report also contains certain items known as "Public Records". Public Records include any credit-related lawsuits that you may have been involved in as well as liens, repossessions, foreclosures, judgments and bankruptcies.

Credit bureaus also report the names of other member creditors who have made inquiries into your account. For example, if a potential lender sees too many recent inquiries, they might not grant you credit if they feel that you are getting overextended.

There are, however, two types of inquiries that are part of your record but are never seen by creditors. There are inquiries made by you, on your own behalf, and inquiries made by companies that send you all of those unsolicited credit card and loan offers that you get in the mail. So, while these offers may be annoying to some, the good news is that you are not being penalized by them.

How am I identified in my credit report?

Your credit report lists your name, current and previous addresses, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Spouses Name (if you are married) and your employer. That is pretty much it, by law, your credit report cannot contain information about your race, religious beliefs, political affiliations, sexual preferences, criminal records, or any other lifestyle issues.

How far back does my credit report go?

Positive or "good" credit information remains on your report for as long as you have an active credit relationship with the creditor and for up to seven years after that relationship ends satisfactorily.

Negative, or "bad credit" remains for seven years except for bankruptcies which remain for up to 10 years. Read about all the exceptions here.

On another hand. You are entitled to a free credit report from any agency that provided information that resulted in your being denied credit, insurance or a job if you request it within 60 days of the denial.

If you are lucky enough to be a resident of Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, or Vermont then there are state laws that entitle you to receive one free report from any one credit-reporting agency per year. If you live in Georgia then you may get two.

It's always good to know what is in your credit report and who has been inquiring about your credit. Get the free credit reports you are entitled to every year and stay on top of your credit.