How Do I Legally See My Credit Report Once a Year?

Your credit score determines if you can qualify for a mortgage or car loan. It also determines the interest rates you'll pay; borrowers with higher credit scores will pay lower interest rates on their loans. You want to study your credit reports before applying for these loans. Fortunately, you won't have to pay anything to access your reports.

Once a year

Three national credit bureaus maintain credit reports on U.S. consumers: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each of these reports may vary. Fortunately, you're allowed to receive your credit report at no charge once every 12 months from each of these bureaus.

To do this, visit the website AnnualCreditReport.com. This site, which is run by the three national credit bureaus, allows you to order your free reports online, by mail or by calling (877) 322-8228.

You can order reports from each of the three bureaus at the same time or you can request them at different times of the year.

What information will you need?

If you request your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, you'll have to provide your name, mailing address, Social Security Number and birth date. If you moved during the last two years, you may also have to send in your previous mailing address.

Depending on what method you use, you'll receive your credit reports quickly. If you order your reports online from AnnualCreditReport.com, you'll receive them immediately. If you order them by phone, you should see the reports within 15 business days. If you order by mail, you'll receive your reports within 15 business days after AnnualCreditReport.com receives your request.

Avoid Other Sites

You should only order your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Outside companies may advertise that they can provide you free credit reports, but these offers sometimes come with consequences.

For instance, some companies may send you a free credit report, but might then use your credit card information to sign you up automatically for a fee-based credit-monitoring service. If you don't cancel this service, you'll receive a charge for it on your next credit-card statement.

To avoid this, work only with the three credit bureaus directly or with the composite site they run together, AnnualCreditReport.com.