How to Get My Yearly Credit Report

A credit report is an important tool in monitoring a person's credit history and FICO credit score, which can either help or hurt you when applying for loans for such purchases as cars or homes. A credit report sums up your credit history and can show your potential risk with new creditors. By law, everyone is entitled to receive one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, and any time a person is denied credit for any reason, he can receive a free credit report.

Instructions

Internet

1

Visit annualcreditreport.com. Select your state from the drop-down menu underneath "Start Here."

2

Complete the online form. Submit and select which of the three credit reporting agencies from which you would like to receive reports. You can select only one or all three.

3

Either download or print your credit report.

Telephone

4

Call 1-877-322-8228.

5

Follow the automated prompt or request to speak to a live customer service representative in order to request a copy of your credit report.

6

Follow up at the same phone number listed above if you have not received your credit report within eight weeks.

Mail

7

Visit the Federal Trade Commission website at ftc.gov/credit. Print the annual credit report request form found on the website under the link to free credit reports.

8

Complete the form. You can type a formal letter of request to complement the form, but a letter is not necessary.

9

Mail the form to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.