How to identify a creditor on your credit report
Every account on your credit report is listed under a short name chosen by the company that reported it. Those names are cut at about 20 characters and abbreviated, so they often look nothing like the company's full name. Here is how to work out who it is.
1. Look at the full report entry
Get your free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. Next to each account, the report lists the name, address and usually the phone number of the company that reported it, along with the account type and the dates it was opened and last reported.
2. Read the code
| Abbreviation | Usually means |
|---|---|
| CU / FCU | credit union / federal credit union |
| BK, BNK, NA | bank; NA = national bank |
| MTG, HM, HL | mortgage |
| COLL, RCVRY, ADJ | collection, recovery, adjustment (collection agencies) |
| FIN, FNCL, FINC | finance company |
| ACCEPT, AUTO | acceptance, auto (auto lenders) |
| PL, SL | personal loan, student loan |
| SYNCB, CBNA, COMENITY, TD BANK USA | banks that issue store cards (Synchrony, Citibank, Comenity, TD) |
| #108, AZ103, /33 | branch, dealer or store number |
A slash usually joins the issuing bank and the store or brand, as in BBY/CBNA (the Best Buy card from Citibank).
3. Ask the credit bureau
If the entry doesn't make it clear, contact the bureau that shows the account and ask who furnished it. You can also dispute anything you believe is wrong there: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion.
4. Collection accounts
A collection entry usually shows both the collection agency and the original creditor. The CFPB explains what information a debt collector has to give you about a debt.
5. Federal student loans
StudentAid.gov lists your federal loans and who services them now; the servicer may have changed since the account was reported.
6. If a company doesn't respond
You can submit a complaint to the CFPB, which sends it to the company.