Since the 2000s, economists across fields have increasingly used consumer credit reporting data for research. We introduce readers to the economics of and the institutional details of these data. Using examples from the literature, we provide practical guidance on how to use these data to...

Because of the importance of credit reporting to the consumer finance system, the accuracy of credit reports is a perennial policy concern. Studies have found that a substantial minority of consumers have errors on their credit reports with the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies...

Using credit-registry data for Spain and Peru, we document that four main types of commercial credit—asset-based loans, cash-flow loans, trade finance and leasing—are easily identifiable and represent the bulk of corporate credit. We show that credit dynamics and bank lending channels vary...

Partisan perception affects the actions of professionals in the financial sector. Linking credit rating analysts to party affiliations from voter records, we show that analysts who are not affiliated with the U.S. president's party downward-adjust corporate credit ratings more frequently. Since...

Using credit-registry data for Spain and Peru, we document that four main types of commercial credit –asset-based loans, cash flow loans, trade finance and leasing–are easily identifiable and represent the bulk of corporate credit. We show that credit growth dynamics and bank lending...

Using credit-registry data for Spain and Peru, we document that four main types of commercial credit—asset-based loans, cash-flow loans, trade finance and leasing—are easily identifiable and represent the bulk of corporate credit. We show that credit dynamics and bank lending channels vary...

Using credit-registry data for Spain and Peru, we document that four main types of commercial credit — asset-based loans, cash flow loans, trade finance and leasing — are easily identifiable and represent the bulk of corporate credit. We show that credit growth dynamics and bank lending...

Using credit-registry data for Spain and Peru, we document that four main types of commercial credit-asset-based loans, cash-flow loans, trade finance and leasing-are easily identifiable and represent the bulk of corporate credit. We show that credit dynamics and bank lending channels vary...