How to Obtain Credit Records

The Fair Credit Report Act is a federal requirement that the three major credit bureaus provide you a free copy of your credit report each calendar year when you request it. The three credit bureaus are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. A website has been credited to allow you to send just one request and receive all three reports. Obtaining credit reports is important because lenders use it to determine whether to issue you a loan or line of credit.

Instructions

1

Go to the annual credit report website and select the state in which you currently from the drop-down menu on the left-hand side, then click "Request Report."

2

Fill out the identifying information, including your name, current residence and social security number. If you have not lived at your current address for at least two years, you will need to enter your prior address to verify your identification.

3

Wait while your information is processed. Unless further identifying information is needed, you will be able to view your credit report online in just a few moments.

4

Print out a copy of your credit report for your records. If you find information that is incorrect, send a letter of dispute to the credit bureau with copies of any supporting documents. The bureau must follow up on your claim within a month and inform you of its findings.