Search

What Is CFNA on My Credit Report & How Does It Impact My Credit?

Andrew Reyes
Credit Card Report and a Credit Card beside it

If you check your credit report regularly, you may have questions about new entries or inquiries you don’t recognize. It’s smart to find out as much as possible about anything that doesn’t look right on your credit report and to be an informed consumer, especially if you’re preparing for a big purchase. More than one-third of Americans find errors on their credit report each year.

One question that some consumers are asking is, what is CFNA on my credit report?

Table of Contents

What Is CFNA on My Credit Report?

CFNA on a Credit Report

CFNA is a common code that credit reporting agencies use for credit cards issued by Credit First National Association. They issue dozens of branded credit cards for companies like:

  • Tires Plus
  • Bridgestone
  • Firestone Complete Auto Care
  • Roadmart
  • Wheel Works

CFNA also issues credit cards for some independent car dealerships and auto repair shops. 

Their credit cards are often associated with car care brands. They have more than 4.6 million credit card users. If you see CFNA listed on your credit report, check to see if you have a credit card issued by this bank. 

How Does a CFNA Credit Inquiry Impact My Credit?

If you’re wondering, what is CFNA on my credit report, and how does an inquiry impact my score, let’s find out. A credit inquiry happens when a bank or a lender requests your credit report. Credit inquiries can be either hard or soft. A hard pull may have more of an impact on your credit score than a soft pull. 

Here’s a common scenario for a hard pull – you apply for a credit card from the CFNA credit bureau, and the bank checks out your credit report before approving your application. In your application, you provide your social security number so CFNA can check your full credit report, look at your history of payments and determine your creditworthiness

When CFNA requests your credit with a hard inquiry, this information will be entered into your credit report. One hard inquiry for a new credit card may not do much to your score. However, if you make multiple applications for new credit, such as credit cards, car loans, or mortgages, in a short period of time, this could lower your credit score.

Banks and other financial institutions may feel like extending credit to you would be risky. 

Another type of credit inquiry is the soft pull. Soft inquiries don’t show up on your credit report and don’t impact your score. Credit card companies, banks, financial institutions, and other businesses may do a soft pull on a consumer’s credit report to help with their marketing efforts. Pre-approvals for various loan products may also be approved with a soft credit inquiry.

Consumers can also request their own free credit report with a soft pull.

How To Get a CFNA Inquiry Removed From Credit Report 

Too many credit inquiries can have a negative impact on your score. Unfortunately, removing a CFNA credit pull from your report is usually not possible, unless it’s fraudulent or a mistake. The good news is these hard credit pulls are only on your credit report for two years.

Sometimes, you may find inaccurate information or errors in your credit report. If you see CFNA credit score errors, there is a process you can follow to remove the inquiry. First, you should request a copy of your credit report from the three credit bureau agencies, Transunion, Experian, and Equifax. 

Carefully check each report for possible errors and credit inquiries you don’t recognize. If you see CFNA credit score mistakes, you’ll need to file a dispute with the individual credit reporting agency. Each agency has its own process for filing a dispute to get inaccurate information removed.

Generally, you may need to either send a certified letter or fill out the credit bureau’s dispute form to start an investigation. In your letter, you should explain what the error is on your credit report.

What Credit Bureau Does CFNA Report To?

According to their FAQs, CFNA reports information to all of the credit agencies. If you apply for a credit card through CFNA, expect to see a hard inquiry on your credit reports from Transunion, Experian, and Equifax.

Additionally, if your credit application is approved, your habits and history of using the card will also be reported to the credit agencies. Your report will show whether or not you make your credit card payments on time. If you pay late, that information will likely be reported to the credit bureaus.

CFNA Credit Score Impact

The impact of CFNA credit bureau activity on your score can vary, depending on your financial habits and history. If you apply for one credit card through CFNA, get approved, and pay your bills on time each month, your score will likely increase over time. When you apply for new loans or new lines of credit, the positive history with CFNA can benefit you.

There are also ways that a CFNA credit inquiry can hurt your score. When consumers apply for too many credit cards in a short period of time and rack up numerous hard inquiries, their scores can plummet. For CFNA credit card users, paying your bill late each month or not paying at all can also negatively impact your score.

Some credit card users get overwhelmed with their debt and may end up in collections, which makes your score go down even more. 

Make Smarter Financial Decisions

Your credit report and credit score are important factors in your financial history and health. It’s important to use credit carefully and wisely. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when applying for a new credit card:

  • Check out your credit report before applying for a new card so you can spot any errors or problems ahead of time.
  • Review any credit card offers you get and choose the best card that meets your needs or offers the most generous rewards.
  • Pay the full balance each month so you don’t get charged any credit card interest.
  • Avoid cancelling any credit cards so you can build up a lengthy user history.

Don’t ever be afraid to ask what is CFNA on my credit report or check out any other unfamiliar entries impacting your score. Monitoring your credit report is a great way to stay financially healthy and get closer to your goals. 

Keep Learning

Share:

Want a FREE Credit Evaluation from Credit Saint?

A $19.95 Value, FREE!

X
This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site.  This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Learn more in our Earnings Disclaimer.
X
Get a FREE Credit Evaluation from Credit Saint Today!
CLAIM NOW