Who is considered a "furnisher" of information as per the FCRA?

The term "furnisher" as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) refers to entities that provide information to consumer reporting agencies. This can encompass a wide range of organizations, including banks, credit unions, credit card companies, lenders, and also other types of businesses that report consumer payment histories and credit information.

Understanding the role of furnishers is crucial, as they are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the information that they supply to credit reporting agencies. This, in turn, affects consumers' credit reports and credit scores. If furnishers provide inaccurate information, they are required under the FCRA to correct or update such information when it is brought to their attention.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights that any entity that supplies or "furnishes" information about a consumer’s credit history to credit reporting agencies fits the definition of a furnisher under the FCRA, representing a broader category than just banks or government agencies. This is vital for ensuring transparency and fairness in the credit reporting process.