"Lenders voluntarily supply the information to credit bureaus on an ongoing basis; no federal laws require companies to submit the data." Why? Because having access to current and reliable information about you helps lenders make informed decisions and offer you financial products and services very quickly. Lenders, landlords and other users of credit reports also may want to know about events such as lawsuits and bankruptcies, so credit bureaus obtain this information from courthouses and public records.