How to Obtain Copies of a Credit Report

Your credit report impacts almost all aspects of your life. What appears on the report influences the kind of banking and credit you can obtain, as well as your ability to enter into rental agreements or even be able to get and work in certain types of employment. It is essential that you examine your credit report periodically to look for errors and check the activity included on the report. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once every 12 months.

Instructions

1

Go to the AnnualCreditReport.com website (see resources).

2

Select your state of residence.

3

Fill out the personal information requested. This includes your legal name, date of birth and Social Security number.

4

Press "Continue." You may get a screen that requires you to choose from previous addresses, employers or loans that you have had in the past to establish your identity. Choose the correct information, if requested.

5

Click the links provided. Each link will take you to the website of one of the "big three" credit reporting agencies-- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion--where you will be able to download and/or print your current credit report on file.

6

Call 877-322-8228 from a touch-tone phone, if you would rather request your credit reports by phone. You will be asked to navigate through a series of prompts to establish your identity.

7

Print a copy of the Credit Report Request Form (see resources) if you would rather make a request by mail. Fill out the form and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
You should receive your credit reports in two to three weeks after processing.