Seeing TBOM/TFC on your credit report and not sure what it means? Here’s what you need to know—and what to do if the inquiry doesn’t belong there.
What Is TBOM/TFC?
TBOM/TFC stands for The Bank of Missouri and Tidewater Finance Company. These are two separate financial institutions, but they often work with third-party lenders or retailers.
If this entry shows up on your credit report, it usually means you applied for credit—like a credit card, auto loan, or store financing—through one of their partners.
Why TBOM/TFC Might Be on Your Credit Report
When you apply for credit, the lender pulls your credit report to assess your risk. That’s called a hard inquiry. If the lender works with The Bank of Missouri or Tidewater Finance, the inquiry might appear as “TBOM/TFC.”
Some common triggers include:
- Store credit card applications
- Auto financing through a dealership
- Financing offers from online retailers
If you recently applied for credit and recognize the name, this entry is probably legitimate.
How a TBOM/TFC Inquiry Affects Your Credit
A single hard inquiry can lower your credit score by a few points—nothing major. But if you’ve applied for multiple credit accounts in a short span, the impact can add up. Too many inquiries in a short period can make lenders nervous and hurt your chances of approval.
The good news: Hard inquiries have the least impact of all credit report entries and typically stop affecting your score after a few months.
How Long TBOM/TFC Stays on Your Credit Report
A hard inquiry from TBOM/TFC will stay on your credit report for up to two years. It’s listed in the “inquiries” section and visible to anyone who checks your credit, though its impact on your score fades over time.
What to Do if You Don’t Recognize the Inquiry
If you didn’t apply for credit with any company tied to TBOM/TFC, don’t ignore it. Here’s what to do:
- Contact the companies directly – Call The Bank of Missouri and Tidewater Finance to ask why the inquiry was made.
- File a dispute – If they confirm it was an error, or you suspect identity theft, file a dispute with each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
- Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze – If you think your personal information has been used without your permission, these are extra layers of protection.
How to Remove an Unauthorized TBOM/TFC Inquiry
If you confirm that the inquiry wasn’t authorized—or if the company can’t verify it—you have the right to request removal. You can do this by disputing the entry with the credit bureaus or reaching out to the company that pulled your credit.
Some people choose to handle this process themselves, while others prefer help from a professional. Credit Saint is one credit repair service that helps consumers challenge unauthorized inquiries and clean up other negative items on their credit reports.
To get started, visit their website and fill out the form to see what they can do for you. By taking action now, you can work towards a brighter financial future with a healthier credit score.
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