Credit Reporting Terms

Credit Reporting Overview

Optimum Store Card, operated by Optimum Financial Services LLC, reports account information to consumer reporting agencies in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and industry best practices. This document outlines our comprehensive credit reporting policies and procedures.

Credit Bureau Reporting

Reporting Schedule and Agencies

We report account information to the following consumer reporting agencies on a monthly basis, typically between the 1st and 15th of each month:

  • Experian: P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013 | 1-888-397-3742
  • Equifax: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374 | 1-800-685-1111
  • TransUnion: P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016 | 1-800-916-8800
  • Innovis: P.O. Box 1358, Columbus, OH 43216 | 1-800-540-2505

Comprehensive Data Reporting

The following account information is reported monthly to ensure accurate credit history maintenance:

Account Identification

  • Account number (encrypted)
  • Account opening date
  • Account type (revolving credit)
  • Credit limit or high credit
  • Terms and conditions

Payment Information

  • Current balance
  • Payment amount and date
  • Payment status codes
  • Past due amounts
  • Charge-off information

Payment Status Codes

CodeStatusDescription
CCurrentAccount is current with no past due amounts
3030 Days LatePayment is 30-59 days past due
6060 Days LatePayment is 60-89 days past due
9090 Days LatePayment is 90-119 days past due
120120+ Days LatePayment is 120+ days past due
COCharge-OffAccount charged off as uncollectible

Credit Building Opportunities

Positive Credit Impact Strategies

Building Strong Credit History

  • Payment History (35% of credit score): Make all payments on time, every time
  • Credit Utilization (30% of credit score): Keep balances below 30% of credit limit
  • Length of Credit History (15% of credit score): Keep accounts open long-term
  • Credit Mix (10% of credit score): Maintain diverse types of credit accounts
  • New Credit (10% of credit score): Limit new credit applications

Credit Score Monitoring

We provide complimentary credit score monitoring through our partnership with leading credit monitoring services:

  • Monthly FICO® Score updates
  • Credit report change alerts
  • Identity theft monitoring
  • Personalized credit improvement recommendations

Dispute Resolution Process

Internal Dispute Procedures

Step-by-Step Dispute Process

  1. Initial Contact: Submit dispute via secure online portal, phone (1-800-OPTIMUM), or mail to:
    Optimum Financial Services LLC
    Credit Reporting Disputes
    P.O. Box 12345
    New York, NY 10001
  2. Documentation: Provide supporting documentation and detailed explanation
  3. Investigation: We conduct thorough investigation within 30 days (45 days if additional information provided)
  4. Resolution: Written response provided with investigation results and corrective actions taken
  5. Credit Bureau Updates: Corrections reported to all applicable credit bureaus within 5 business days

Required Dispute Information

To expedite dispute resolution, please provide:

  • Full name and current address
  • Account number
  • Specific information being disputed
  • Reason for dispute with supporting documentation
  • Copy of credit report showing disputed information
  • Preferred contact method and phone number

Regulatory Compliance

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Compliance

Our credit reporting practices fully comply with FCRA requirements including:

  • Accuracy and completeness of reported information
  • Timely investigation of consumer disputes
  • Proper handling of identity theft claims
  • Compliance with maximum reporting periods
  • Adherence to permissible purpose requirements

Data Security and Privacy

Information Protection Measures

  • 256-bit SSL encryption for all data transmission
  • Multi-factor authentication for account access
  • Regular security audits and penetration testing
  • Compliance with PCI DSS Level 1 standards
  • Employee background checks and ongoing training
  • Incident response and breach notification procedures

Special Circumstances

Military Personnel Protections

Active duty military personnel receive additional protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA):

  • Interest rate reduction to 6% during active duty
  • Protection from negative credit reporting during deployment
  • Extended dispute resolution timeframes
  • Specialized customer service support

Natural Disaster Relief

Customers affected by federally declared natural disasters may be eligible for:

  • Temporary suspension of negative credit reporting
  • Payment deferrals without credit impact
  • Expedited dispute resolution
  • Waived fees and penalties

Important Credit Impact Notice

Late payments, missed payments, or defaults may negatively impact your credit score and remain on your credit report for up to 7 years. Charge-offs and collections may also be reported for up to 7 years from the date of first delinquency.

Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 bankruptcy may remain on credit reports for up to 10 years, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy may remain for up to 7 years.

Contact Information

Credit Reporting Inquiries:

Phone: 1-800-OPTIMUM (1-800-678-4686)

Email: creditreporting@optimumcard.com

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM - 8 PM EST

Mailing Address:

Optimum Financial Services LLC

Credit Reporting Department

P.O. Box 12345

New York, NY 10001