Abstract: A method for processing credit applications, including several steps. A credit request is received including consumer identification data. Credit report data is received corresponding to the consumer identification data. The credit report data is organized to form formatted credit report data. Consumer identification data is removed from the formatted credit report data and credit request data to form anonymized credit data. Pre-defined application data, credit report data, and credit request data characteristics are appended. The anonymized credit data is encrypted to form an encrypted credit file. The encrypted credit file is transmitted to a lending institution. A response is received indicating credit approval corresponding to the encrypted credit file.