How Do I Get a Credit Profile Number?

A legal credit profile number (CPN) is an assigned number, usually nine digits, used to obtain credit. For an individual, the CPN is typically a Social Security number assigned by the Social Security Administration. For a business or corporate entity, it is usually an Employer Identification Number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. Beware of anyone who offers to get a new or verified credit profile number for you with the intent of cleaning up your credit rating. The offer is illegal and the usual motive is to defraud you.

Personal Number

The vast majority of Individuals in the United States are assigned their CPN when they apply for Social Security. The alternative is to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which is typically issued by the IRS to certain non-resident citizens and to resident aliens. An individual person can't legally have both. Expect to be asked for a verifiable SSN or ITIN when you apply for personal credit of any kind. You are not legally required to provide this information. However, getting approved for credit will be an uphill battle if you don't.

Corporate Number

U.S. businesses and corporate entities with employees are required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which also serves as a CPN for the entity. A corporate entity can apply for an EIN even if it has no employees. This also applies to a Limited Liability Corporation or LLC. It is possible and legal to form an individual LLC, be assigned an EIN for that entity and use that EIN to apply for credit.

Some individuals use this method to "start over with a clean slate." Note that this is not the same as cleaning up your credit history. You will start with no history, which typically limits your access to credit. Those who grant credit are generally aware of this and may proceed with caution when you use an EIN to apply for personal credit. That said, if you carefully build a good credit history over time using the LLC's EIN, you can end up with a good credit rating.

Summary

The term "credit profile number" should raise a red flag. It is most often used in connection with scams offering to clean up bad credit. A legitimate credit repair service is not likely to use that phrase. Another red flag is any offer to repair bad credit that requires an upfront payment. Legitimate companies are required by law to define their fees and services in writing. These companies must complete promised services before requesting payment. See the "Government Report on Credit Repair" for more information, including information on cleaning up your credit without out-of-pocket expense to you. You can access the report using the Resource link below.