How Do I Receive a Free Copy of My Credit Report?

Your credit record offers information to lenders, employers, insurance companies and others with a legitimate business interest about how you handle your financial obligations. It is possible for wrong information to be posted to your credit report, which can adversely affect your ability to obtain credit, get a job or rent an apartment, so it is a good idea to check your credit report at least once per year. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the three national credit reporting agencies to give you access to your credit report once a year.

Instructions

1

Log on to the Internet and go to AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only federally authorized website where consumers can request a free credit report from all three national credit reporting agencies under the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

2

Left-click on the "State" drop-down box and select the state where you reside. Left click on the "Request Report" button. This will open the online request application.

3

Complete the application. The information that is starred, including your name, address and Social Security number is required. Your credit report cannot be provided if you do not supply this information. Enter the verification characters at the bottom of the screen. Left-click "Continue."

4

Determine which credit report you wish to view. You will be offered a report from each of the national credit reporting agencies, including Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. You may request a report from any or all of these agencies. Left-click in the box of each report you wish to see. Left-click "Next." You will be taken to a page that will show you which credit reporting agency you will be taken to first. Left-click "Next." Once you have finished reviewing your credit report from this agency, left click the "Return to AnnualCreditReport.com" button to view your report from the other agencies.