Checking Your Credit History Your credit history is used by many different lenders and other businesses to make decisions about you. When it comes to your credit history, it's what you don't know that can hurt you. Credit card companies, mortgage loan companies, car loan and insurance companies, even landlords and employers can check your credit history to find out about your credit past. The reason? They assume if you were responsible in the past, you will most likely be responsible in the future. When it's time to consider any sort of financial move -- a new home or car, a new credit card, a new auto insurance policy, even a new job -- it's time to check your credit history. After You Get Your Credit History When you get your credit history, review it carefully. If you see problems on your credit history, such as an unpaid bill that you simply forgot about, act right away to resolve the debt. Then ask the business to whom you owed the money to send a letter to the credit reference agencies saying that the matter has been resolved. Also, make sure your credit history is accurate. Check for accounts you didn't open, charges you didn't make, and delinquencies you didn't cause. If you see evidence of fraud, contact the credit reference agencies immediately. Explain the situation and ask that an alert be placed in your file. Also, report the fraud to the police. Your credit history will follow you throughout your life and can help you financially -- or hurt you. Review it carefully! Checking Your Credit History Is Easy Get your credit history and see your credit history. You can also subscribe and get an early alert to new and suspicious activity on your history.