03 Apr Why We Only Need Your ID Number for a Free Credit Check

Posted at 13:40h in Credit Score by

You might be puzzled as to why credit bureaus like Credit Boost only need your ID number for a free credit check. Mainly, it’s to verify your identity and maintain security around sensitive financial information. Read on for how these reference systems and why we only need your ID to perform a credit check. We’ll also walk you through the free credit check process and what to expect.

Identification

Your ID number acts as a unique identifier to link you to your credit report. Credit bureaus maintain records on individuals, and your ID number helps them pull up your specific credit history. Imagine millions of people with similar names. An ID number, like a national ID card number, driver’s license number acts like a unique code in a filing cabinet. It allows the credit bureau to pinpoint your specific credit report amongst all the others in their system. Some credit check systems may utilize third-party verification services that cross-check your information against public records or other databases. This helps strengthen the verification process.

Security

Since your credit report contains sensitive financial information, requiring your ID number adds a layer of security. It helps ensure that only you, or someone with your ID information, can access your report. Someone trying to impersonate you and access your report would need your ID number, which makes it significantly harder for unauthorized access to occur.

It’s important to note that even though there isn’t a single ID verification system, credit bureaus and check systems implement various security measures to protect your information. These might include:

  • Encryption: Data is encrypted during transmission and storage to minimize unauthorized access.
  • Secure Logins: Strong password requirements and multi-factor authentication help prevent unauthorized access to your credit report.

Why we only need your ID number for a credit check.

Need a credit check? Use Credit Boost’s free credit checker for access to your credit report. All we need is your cellphone number and ID number.