Can You Check a Minor’s Credit Score?

Credit scores and reports summarize an individual’s financial history, detailing borrowing and repayment activities. A credit score is a numerical representation derived from a credit report, indicating creditworthiness. Minors typically do not possess credit scores or reports because they are generally unable to enter into legally binding credit contracts. However, unusual circumstances can lead to a minor having a credit file, making it important to understand how to check for and address such a report.

Understanding Minor Credit Activity

Minors generally do not have credit reports or scores due to age of majority laws, which prevent individuals under 18 from entering most contracts. This legal restriction means minors cannot independently take out loans, open credit card accounts, or incur other forms of debt that would generate a credit history. Credit bureaus typically do not maintain credit files for individuals who have not reached contractual capacity.

Despite these restrictions, a minor might legitimately appear on a credit report under specific circumstances. One common scenario is when a minor is added as an authorized user on a parent’s credit card account. This can help a minor begin to build positive credit history, and the account activity will be reflected on their credit report. Another less common situation involves student loans or other specific types of loans that are co-signed by an adult. In most other cases, any credit activity associated with a minor’s name is likely the result of identity theft or an error in reporting.

Obtaining a Minor’s Credit Report

Obtaining a credit report for a minor is a distinct process because credit bureaus do not automatically maintain files for individuals without active credit accounts. Parents or legal guardians must proactively request a manual search from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This request is necessary to determine if a credit file exists for the minor.

To initiate this search, specific documentation is required by each bureau to verify identities and relationships. Generally, you will need to provide a copy of the minor’s birth certificate, their Social Security card, and a government-issued identification for the parent or legal guardian. Additionally, proof of the parent’s address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, and a letter requesting a search for a credit file for the minor are typically needed.

These documents help the bureaus confirm the minor’s identity and the parent’s legal authority to make the request. All three bureaus require similar identifying documents for both the minor and the parent. It is advisable to send these requests via certified mail to each bureau to ensure delivery and have a record of the submission.

Addressing a Minor’s Credit Report

If a credit report for a minor contains unexpected or fraudulent activity, immediate action is necessary. First, dispute any inaccurate information directly with each credit bureau that reported the activity. You can initiate a dispute online, by mail, or by phone, providing supporting documentation. The credit bureaus are generally required to investigate disputes within 30 to 45 days.

Following the dispute, place a fraud alert on the minor’s credit file. A fraud alert signals to potential creditors to take extra steps to verify the identity of anyone attempting to open new credit in the minor’s name. This alert typically lasts for one year and can be renewed.

For more robust protection, consider initiating a credit freeze on the minor’s file. A credit freeze restricts access to the credit report, making it significantly more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts. This freeze remains in place until it is temporarily lifted or permanently removed by the parent or guardian.

If identity theft is confirmed, filing a police report is a crucial step. A police report provides an official record of the crime and can be important evidence when dealing with creditors or collection agencies. You should also report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov, which can provide a recovery plan and official documents to assist in the process.

Preventing Minor Identity Theft

Proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding a minor’s identity from potential theft. Securely store sensitive documents such as a minor’s Social Security card and birth certificate in a safe place, ideally a locked cabinet or safe. Avoid carrying these documents unless absolutely necessary.

Parents and guardians should also exercise caution when sharing a minor’s personal information, whether online or offline. Be mindful of information requested by schools, sports leagues, or other organizations. Regularly shred any documents that contain a minor’s personal identifiers. Monitoring mail for any unsolicited credit card offers or bills addressed to the minor can also serve as an early warning sign of potential identity theft.