A consumer reporting agency, often called a credit bureau or credit reporting company, collects information and produces consumer reports. The category includes the nationwide credit bureaus and specialty companies used for banking, employment, tenant, insurance, utility, and other decisions.
The practical meaning.
The company named in a report or adverse-action notice determines which file to request, freeze, or dispute. Sending a dispute to the wrong company can delay the correction path.
Named on a consumer report, adverse-action notice, background-check disclosure, denial letter, or specialty reporting-company correspondence.
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are nationwide credit reporting companies, but they are not the only consumer reporting agencies.
Specialty agencies may maintain separate reports for checking accounts, tenant screening, employment, insurance, or utilities.
The FCRA governs access, accuracy, disclosures, and disputes for covered consumer reports.
