How Do I Get a Copy of My Early Warning Credit Report?

Managing your financial well-being starts with understanding the data that institutions use to assess your creditworthiness. While most people are familiar with credit reports from the three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—fewer know about Early Warning Services (EWS). This specialty reporting agency provides financial institutions with data about your banking behavior, making it a critical resource if you’ve faced issues like overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures. If you’re looking to obtain a copy of your Early Warning credit report, continue reading to learn how.

What Is an Early Warning Credit Report and Why Does It Matter?

Early Warning Services is a consumer reporting agency that collects and shares information about your banking history. Unlike traditional credit bureaus, EWS focuses on deposit account activity rather than loans or credit cards. This report can include details about account closures due to overdrafts, fraudulent activity, or unpaid fees.

Why does this matter? Financial institutions often consult Early Warning reports before allowing you to open new bank accounts. If you’ve ever been denied the chance to open a checking or savings account, your Early Warning report might hold the answer. Reviewing your report helps you stay informed and provides an opportunity to dispute any inaccuracies that may be impacting your financial options.

How Can You Request a Copy of Your Early Warning Credit Report?

The process of obtaining your Early Warning credit report is straightforward, thanks to consumer protection laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Under this law, you’re entitled to one free report per year, or more if you’ve recently experienced an adverse action, such as being denied an account. To request a copy of your Early Warning credit report, follow these steps:

• Contact Early Warning Services: You can request your report by mail, phone, or online. Here’s the contact information:
  • Mail: Write to Early Warning Services, P.O. Box 600223, San Diego, CA 92160.
  • Phone: Call their toll-free number at 1-800-325-7775.
  • Online: Visit Early Warning Services’ consumer information page and follow the instructions for requesting your report.
• Provide Necessary Information: Whether you’re submitting your request by mail, phone, or online, you’ll need to verify your identity. Be prepared to provide:
  • Your full name
  • Current and previous addresses (if applicable)
  • Social Security number
  • A copy of your government-issued ID if you’re mailing your request
• Wait for Your Report: After submitting your request, Early Warning Services will process it and send your report via your preferred delivery method. This usually takes a few weeks.

What Should You Do After Receiving Your Report?

Once you have your Early Warning credit report, take the time to review it carefully. Look for any inaccuracies, such as accounts you don’t recognize or incorrect balances. If you spot errors, you have the right to dispute them under the FCRA.

To dispute incorrect information, contact Early Warning Services directly and provide documentation to support your claim. They are required to investigate and respond within 30 days. Successfully resolving disputes can improve your financial standing and increase your chances of opening new accounts.

If you’re facing any issue resolving a dispute, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team for assistance today.