Each credit bureau sets their own policy regarding the minimum number of records they will accept (see below). However, there are some things you can do to ensure you meet their bar.

First, make sure to report your entire portfolio. This will maximize the total number of accounts in your file and is altogether better for the consumer. Reporting both good and bad debt is looked upon favorably by the credit bureaus.

Second, you are allowed to go back in your system up to 7 years when creating your file. This would include closed accounts, open collections, and charged-off debt. Again, this will help to increase your file size.

Lastly, using a credit bureau reporting service, like Datalinx, may help by stacking your information along with all our other customers. Because of our established relationship with each of the credit bureaus, we can reassure them that your data will be evaluated prior to submitting electronically.

Credit Bureau Minimums (as of 7/2008):

Equifax

Minimum 500 active accounts with the exception of Credit Unions and Banks which have a 100 record minimum.

Experian

No Minimum, however a waiting period may apply for industries other than Banks, Credit Unions, or Mortgage lenders.

Trans Union

Minimum 100 active accounts for all industries except Banks and Credit Unions where there typically is no minimum.

Innovis

Less than 100 accounts must be reported through an approved credit bureau reporting service such as Datalinx.

*States who require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan reporting may bypass these minimums. Please check with the bureaus for more information.

Why should I report to the Credit Bureaus?

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