How to Request My Credit History

Credit history is used to secure employment, credit, insurance and home rentals. Monitoring your credit file is your best protection against identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission. It can also help you identify inaccuracies, such as reports of late payments or incorrect balance information on credit cards. Annual Credit Report is the only authorized source for providing free credit reports, according to the FTC.

Instructions

1

Request your credit history online. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers can get access to a free credit report, which details credit history. Order a report online (see Resources) every 12 months. When ordering the report, you'll be asked for personal information (such as the exact amount of a mortgage payment). Have this information handy to confirm your identity.

2

Call Annual Credit Report to order credit history. If you prefer to order credit history by phone, call 877-322-8228. The employee will ask you several questions to confirm your identity (similar to the online ordering process). After providing correct answers to the questions, the employee will approve your request and mail you a credit history from all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax).

3

Request your credit history by mail. Visit Annual Credit Report's website and complete an online request form (see Resources). Mail the form to the correct address, which is listed on the form. Requests by mail are processed within 15 days of receipt, according to Annual Credit Report.

4

Review your credit history. According to FTC, consumers should be looking for unfamiliar accounts or inaccuracies (like late payments or collection activity). If you find errors, contact the reporting bureau. Fill out a dispute request (found on the bureau's website) and submit. Disputes are typically processed within 45 business days. If approved, the inaccurate activity will be removed from your credit history.