What is a hidden tradeline?

[daisyduke]

I was just perusing the CC forum and someone wrote in about their hidden tl's - how would one know if they have a hidden tl? would it show up on your annual credit report?  

If you can't see it, how in the world would you know it is there?

Thanks in advance for any information.

[Scamp]

A "hidden tradeline" is one that doesn't report to the CRA's - the ones I recall being discussed on here have been CC's like the Revolution card that was something of a rage hereabouts 2-3 years ago.

One of the benefits is having a line of revolving credit that doesn't affect your utilization, giving you more freedom in using the card without worrying about it hurting your scores.

You still go through the normal app processes (though I can't recall whether inqs for them do show up on your reports), so if you get approved, then of course you'll know you have it and be able to use it, but your other creditors won't.

[daisyduke]

Thanks for the information Scamp.

Hidden TL really isn't hidden at all - it is just a CC issuer or what have you, doesn't report to the three bureaus...

[RobertEG]

No creditor has any obligation to report to a CRA.  That does imply that they are improperly "hiding" anything.

You know if you have a supposedly "hidden" account from your own account records.

Prior payment history with them.

They have the right, at any time, to report any prior delinquencies as long as the delinquency was accurate.

The proper term is that it was not previosulsy reported, and not that is was "hidden."