A fuller guide to this term is on the way. In the meantime, the related terms below explain the ideas around it.
Related MoneyPedia terms
- Fraud AlertA notice added to your credit file that tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
- Credit ReportA detailed record of your borrowing history, including accounts, balances, and payment behavior, kept by the credit bureaus.
- Credit BureauA company that collects and sells your credit history; the three major ones are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Identity TheftWhen someone uses your personal information without permission to open accounts or borrow money in your name.
- Hard InquiryA credit check triggered when you apply for new credit, which can slightly lower your score and stays on your report for two years.
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Plain-English education — not personalized legal, tax, or investment advice.