How to Access Your Free Credit Score Report Online

No matter what you do for a living or how many assets you own, it is important to keep an eye on your credit rating. The status of your credit report will impact everything from the interest rate on your mortgage to your ability to get a loan. Your credit report can even impact your employment prospects and your car insurance rates, since many employers and insurance agencies routinely check credit reports as well. Fortunately consumers are entitled to a copy of all three of their credit reports each year, making it much easier to spot errors and attempts at identity theft.

Instructions

1

Consider staggering your requests for credit reports. All consumers are entitled to a copy of their credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies--Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. By requesting a copy of one report every four months you can spot problems early.

2

Log on to the annualcreditreport.com website. This is the only official website for consumers to check their credit reports for free. There are other free credit report websites, but they often charge subscription fees that make their services anything but free.

3

Choose your state from the drop-down box on the main screen and click the "Request Report" button. Enter the information requested on the next page. You will need your identifying information, including your name, address and Social Security number.

4

Select the credit report you want to receive. You can choose one or all credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies. Click the confirmation page to be transferred to the website of the appropriate credit reporting agency.

5

Answer the verification questions as they are presented. This step is used to ensure that only the rightful owner of the credit report has access to it.