On January 30, 2025, the CFPB released its annual list of consumer reporting companies which identifies specialty reporting companies that collect and sell access to people’s data. The list helps consumers request credit reporting data, dispute inaccuracies, block access through security freezes, and understand the types of personal financial information collected for reports.
Personal financial data is used by a variety of entities when making lending, banking, employment, and housing decisions. While three nationwide consumer reporting companies lead the credit reporting market, many specialty consumer reporting companies exist to support different industries. Consumers' personal financial data may be collected and reported to numerous companies and individuals, increasing their risk, especially when they are unaware of it.
Other key information in the report includes:
Consumer reporting companies that share information with casinos are included. Casinos and sports betting apps rely on digital access to consumer cash information, as highlighted in this year's list of consumer reporting companies servicing these industries.
Social media, driving data, and other unexpected information can be part of certain consumer reports. Employment screening reports can include social media data and driving behavior data from mobile phones or vehicles, helping auto insurers assess eligibility and rates. Other information may cover property insurance claims, drug and alcohol tests, health screenings, and verification of non-profit and volunteer activities.
Under many circumstances, people can receive their credit reports for free. Nationwide companies must provide a free report annually upon request, with many offering weekly reports since COVID-19. Consumers can get another free report if denied credit or housing. Other requests incur a fee (max $15.50 in 2025), and requesting reports won’t affect credit scores.
Hard inquiries can lower credit scores. Applying for credit and leasing can lead to a "hard inquiry" on credit reports, which may lower credit scores due to the frequency and recency of applications. Tenants applying to multiple landlords may also face several hard inquiries.
Bank account history can affect access to credit. Deposit account history can be considered by lenders to assess credit eligibility and pricing, particularly for those with limited credit history. Negative deposit information may involve an unpaid negative balance, account closure, or fraud associations.
Read the CFPB’s press release here.
The List of Consumer Reporting Companies can be found here.