How to Write to Request My Credit Rating

Knowing as much as you can about your credit is an important part of taking care of your personal finances. As a consumer, you are entitled by law to one copy of your credit report from each of the three major agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) per year. Take the opportunity to learn all you can about your credit rating. Few things are more stressful than dealing with a surprise on your credit history.

Instructions

1

Call ahead. Call the customer service department of the agency or agencies you will be writing to. Requirements for proof of identity vary between Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Make sure that you know what documents to include for the agency you are requesting a credit rating from.

2

Be professional. Writing to request a credit rating should follow standard format and style for a business letter. Letters to credit agencies should be typed, not handwritten.

3

Identify your purpose. State that you are writing to obtain a credit report. But don't stop there. Explain why you are requesting the report at this time.

4

Reference the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Make sure that your first paragraph mentions that you are requesting a credit report in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

5

Include personal information. Your letter to request your credit rating should include your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and current address at a bare minimum. It is also helpful to include all previous addresses for the last five years.

6

Enclose relevant documents. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion operate under strict rules of confidentiality. It is important that you include photocopies of identifying documents, such as your drivers license and Social Security card. It may also be helpful to enclose a copy of a recent utility bill to prove identity and place of residence. Finally, if you have any documents related to your reason for requesting a credit rating, include copies of those documents as well. State in your letter what documents you have enclosed.

7

Request confidentiality. State explicitly that you do not want Equifax, Experian or TransUnion sharing your personal information with any other agency.

8

Include a phone number you can be reached. In the event that the credit agency cannot process your request with the information provided, a representative may need to contact you. Make communication easy by including a phone number where you can readily be reached.