How to Get a Credit Report for Free Without Using a Credit Card

The information on your credit report can affect your life in many ways. Whether you're seeking a mortgage to buy a home, a loan to purchase a car, or simply applying for a job, the outcome often rests on results of a credit check. There are three major credit reporting agencies, and the information contained on your credit report can vary depending on the agency from which it is obtained. Luckily, you are entitled to get a free copy of your credit report from each agency one time per year.

Instructions

1

Navigate to AnnualCreditReport.com. This site allows you to obtain a free copy of your credit report from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian once every 12 months.

2

Select your state from the drop-down menu in the center of the page and click the red "Request Report" button.

3

Fill out the form with the requested information and click "Continue."

4

Check the box next to the reports you wish to access. You can choose to access an individual agency or all three at once. Click "Next" when finished.

5

Click "Next" again to be transferred to the reporting agency's website. Enter the last four digits of your Social Security number when requested, and click "Next" again.

6

Select the option to access your free annual credit report and click "Submit." Answer the identity verification questions and click "Next." Your credit report will load on the next screen.