While it is easy to get a free credit report online, be careful where you go to get your personal information. Many websites try to deceive customers by enrolling them in a trial membership and then charging them a monthly fee soon thereafter, even when the customer asks to not continue the service after the trial period. To avoid the hassle involved with calling credit companies and disputing charges, go to the one correct website that will offer a free yearly credit report.
How to Receive a Report
Everyone can get a free credit report from one website: annualcreditreport.com. It includes all three major credit reporting bureaus--Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. You are entitled to this service once every 12 months as a result of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. All three can be viewed at once, or at different times (for instance, every four months). Regardless, you will need to visit the website and provide your personal information such as your name, address and Social Security number. Once completed, you will immediately be able to view your reports. If you don't have access to the Internet, request the credit report through the mail. Call Annual Credit Report at (877) 322-8228 or fill out a credit request form and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Viewing Options
There are different philosophies about when to view your credit reports. You can choose to view all three at the same time. This will allow you to see any discrepancies between reports, since sometimes inaccuracies may not appear on all three. Just because one looks normal doesn't mean there isn't something fishy on the other two. By viewing them on a rotating schedule, every four months, you can keep a more regular check on your credit history. Either way, you won't have to pay anything unless you enroll in a more regular monthly service.
Other Situations
There are other situations that will allow you to see your credit report for free. If you have been a victim of identity theft and have requested a freeze on your credit reports, you have the right to view your reports for free. Likewise, you might have noticed some inaccurate information on your credit report or requested the removal of outdated information. If any of these situations apply, the credit reporting companies must review your request and fix any information. When they do this, you are entitled to a free credit report even if you have viewed them within the last 12 months. Another situation is when you have been denied a loan or received negative acts from an individual based on your credit report. If you are unemployed with the intention applying for a job in the next 60 days or are on public assistance, you again can view your report for free.
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