How to Check My Child’s Credit Score

Parents are often curious about their child’s financial standing, especially regarding credit. While credit reports are typically associated with adults, a minor can sometimes have a credit history. Understanding how a child might have a credit file and how to access it provides important parental awareness, helping parents monitor their child’s financial identity and address unexpected activity.

Understanding Credit Reports for Minors

Minors generally do not possess credit reports or credit scores unless specific financial activity has occurred in their name. Credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, typically do not create credit files for individuals under the age of 18 unless there is a legitimate reason. A legitimate reason might include being an authorized user on a parent’s credit card account, which can sometimes lead to a file being established.

An unexpected credit report for a minor could signal identity theft. A fraudulent account might have been opened using the child’s personal information, leading to an unauthorized credit file. The existence of a credit report for a minor warrants investigation, as a minor’s credit file should generally show no activity or not exist without specific financial actions.

Information Needed to Request a Report

Before requesting a child’s credit report, parents must gather specific documentation for themselves and their child. This requires parent identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID, and their Social Security card. For the child, a birth certificate and Social Security card are typically required to verify identity and age. These documents establish the child’s identity and the parental relationship.

Proof of guardianship or the parental relationship is necessary, often satisfied by the birth certificate listing the parent. Parents must contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually, as no centralized online portal exists for requesting minor credit reports. Each bureau may have slightly different documentation requirements; check their specific guidelines on their websites or by contacting their fraud hotlines. Gathering all these items beforehand streamlines the request process.

How to Request a Credit Report

After collecting all necessary documentation, request a child’s credit report by sending a written request to each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The submission package should include completed request forms, usually downloaded from the bureau’s website. Copies of required identification documents for both parent and child, along with proof of parental relationship, must also be enclosed. Send the request via certified mail with a return receipt requested.

Sending the request by certified mail provides proof of mailing and delivery for tracking. Parents should keep copies of all submitted documents and the mailing receipt for their records. After submission, processing times vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to a month or more, depending on the bureau and request complexity. Bureaus may follow up if additional information or clarification is needed.

What to Look For on a Child’s Report

Upon receiving a child’s credit report, parents should first determine if a credit file exists. If the child has no credit history, the report might indicate “no file” or minimal information, which is the expected outcome for most minors. If a credit file exists, carefully examine all listed accounts, inquiries, and personal information. Look for any open accounts, especially credit cards or loans, that the child would not legitimately possess.

Scrutinize inquiries (records of businesses checking credit) and any unfamiliar addresses or aliases associated with the child’s name. If suspicious activity or an unexpected credit file is discovered, parents should dispute any errors directly with the credit bureau and consider placing a credit freeze on the child’s file to prevent further unauthorized activity. If identity theft is suspected, contacting law enforcement and filing a police report may be necessary. If the report accurately reflects an authorized user account, such as a parent’s credit card, monitoring this activity is still important for responsible financial management.