Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relating to the provision of credit and financial services. In one embodiment, the present invention provides-user authentication protocols facilitating the electronic delivery of credit reports over a computer network directly to users. According to one embodiment of the invention, a credit report comprises a particular user's credit history and other financial information, and/or a credit rating. Other embodiments of the present invention allow for the provision of services related to consumer and business credit report data.