How to Access Your One-Time Credit Report

A stellar credit rating improves your financial health -- and understanding the information contained in your credit file has an impact on your finances. Keeping up with your credit rating and the information contained in your file is important. Armed with this information, you can prevent fraud and identity theft and negotiate the best interest rates for important purchases. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, requires that each national credit reporting agency provide consumers with one free report annually, and the agencies provide one venue to request your reports.

Instructions

Online

1

Go to the Annual Credit Report website (see Resources).

2

Select your state from the drop-down menu and click "Request Report."

3

Enter your information. The online form requests your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth. Click "Continue."

4

Click the checkbox for each company from which you would like to receive your report. You can select Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Click "Next."

5

Click "Next" again and enter the information requested from each agency. Each agency may request verification details, such as information from your credit file, to confirm your identity. Complete the process and view each report online.

Mail or Telephone

6

Call the annual credit report hotline at 877-322-8228 to request your reports. Complete the prompts, and allow seven to 10 business days to receive your information.

7

Go to the Federal Trade Commission website and download the Annual Credit Report Request Form (see Resources).

8

Complete the form and mail it to the address provided on the form. Allow at least 15 days to receive your information by mail.