A nationwide specialty consumer reporting agency keeps files nationwide on one kind of history: medical records or payments, rental history, check writing, employment history, or insurance claims. You can get a free file disclosure from each one every 12 months.
Also called: specialty CRA, specialty consumer reporting company, specialty credit bureau, NSCRA, tenant screening company, check screening company
What it means
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion aren’t the only companies keeping files on you nationwide. The FCRA also recognizes nationwide specialty consumer reporting agencies. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681a, these are agencies that compile and maintain files nationwide on consumers about one of these subjects:
- Medical records or payments
- Residential or tenant history
- Check writing history
- Employment history
- Insurance claims
(The current U.S. Code places this definition at § 1681a(x). Some cross-references, such as § 1681j(a)(1), still use its original letter, (w).)
Examples
The CFPB keeps a list of consumer reporting companies organized by market. It includes check and bank screening companies, tenant screening companies, employment screening companies such as The Work Number, insurance claims databases such as LexisNexis C.L.U.E., and the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange. The CFPB notes the list isn’t complete and that companies describe themselves. Our company guides cover several companies on that list, including ChexSystems, LexisNexis C.L.U.E., and NCTUE.
Your right to a free report
Under § 1681j(a)(1)(C), you can get a free file disclosure once every 12 months from each nationwide specialty agency. Regulation V, 12 CFR § 1022.137, requires each one to offer a streamlined way to ask, including a toll-free number posted prominently on its website. You’re also entitled to a free copy within 60 days after an adverse action notice that names the agency.
Why it matters
These reports decide whether you can open a bank account, rent an apartment, get a job, or buy insurance at a fair price. The CFPB’s 2012 report notes that each specialty database has its own sources of consumer information, so your regular credit report won’t tell you what these agencies have on file. You have to check them separately.
Common errors
- A bank screening report listing an account closure or fraud flag that belongs to someone else.
- An eviction filing or judgment reported without its dismissal or outcome.
- An insurance claim attributed to the wrong person or property.
- An employment history report with wrong dates or employers.
How to dispute it
Request your file from the agency named in any denial, then dispute errors directly with that agency in writing. It has the same duty to reinvestigate as the big three bureaus.
When it can be an FCRA violation
Specialty agencies are consumer reporting agencies, so they must use reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy, give you your file, and reinvestigate disputes. Failing to do so can support an FCRA claim.
If a specialty agency won’t correct an error that cost you housing, a job, or a bank account, FCRA Attorneys offers a free case review, and you pay no fee unless we win.
Related
- Consumer reporting agency
- File disclosure
- Adverse action notice
- Permissible purpose
- Security freeze
- List of credit reporting agencies
- ChexSystems guide
- LexisNexis C.L.U.E. guide
- NCTUE guide
- How to Dispute a Tenant Screening Report: Evictions, Sealed Records and Wrong-Person Errors
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681a, definitions (Cornell LII)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681j, charges for certain disclosures (Cornell LII)
- 12 CFR § 1022.137, streamlined process for nationwide specialty CRAs (Cornell LII)
- CFPB, List of consumer reporting companies
- CFPB, Key Dimensions and Processes in the U.S. Credit Reporting System (2012)
Updated November 2026. This glossary is written by FCRA Attorneys from public sources. It is general information, not legal advice, and is not affiliated with any credit bureau or industry association.