A Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) is a company that collects and maintains information about individuals' credit histories. They gather data from various sources, such as banks and lenders, to create credit reports that reflect a person's borrowing and repayment behavior. These reports are used by lenders to assess the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. The three major CRAs in the United States are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each agency compiles its own credit reports and scores, which can vary slightly due to differences in the data they collect. Consumers can request their credit reports to review their credit history and ensure accuracy.