How to Get a Free Credit Report Without Tricks or Scams

The Fair Credit Reporting Act provides consumers access to a free credit report from all three credit reporting companies, including Equifax, TransUnion and Experian, annually. As of 2010, Annual Credit Report is the only authorized company that provides free credit reports, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Oftentimes, consumers think they're ordering a free credit report from a company only to find out later that she is required to pay for other services in order to get the free report.

Instructions

1

Decide which credit reports to access. According to the FTC, consumers can order credit reports from all three bureaus, including TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, or just a single bureau. By requesting reports separately, you can access your credit more frequently during the year. For example, you might request a report from Equifax this month, TransUnion in three months and Experian six months later. If you order all of the reports at once, you have to wait 12 months to get another free report.

2

Order a free credit report online. Annual Credit Report allows you to order free credit reports from all three credit bureaus. Have personal information handy, such as auto loan, mortgage and personal loan statements. To verify your identification, the company will ask you to confirm loan payments right down to the penny.

3

Order a free credit report on the phone. Call Annual Credit Report at 877-322-8228. The employee will ask you personal questions (such as loan payment amounts) to verify your identification. Once your identification has been confirmed, she will mail you a copy of your credit report.

4

Request a report through mail. The final option for ordering a free credit report is completed the Annual Credit Report Request form. This form can be downloaded from Annual Credit Report's website (see Resources). Complete the form and mail to P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348.