The Best Way to Obtain Your Credit Score

Once a year, Americans are able to receive free credit reports from the three major credit-reporting agencies: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Being aware of all three credit reports gives you a greater understanding of where you stand in your ability to receive credit. It can also illuminate any mistakes or identity theft that may be inadvertently compromising your rating. These agencies sponsor a website where you can request all three reports at the same time, making ordering easy and fast.

Instructions

1

Point your Web browser to the Annual Credit Report website (see Resources).

2

Select your home state from the pull-down menu and click on "Request Report."

3

Type your personal information, such as name, address, date of birth and Social Security number, into the appropriate fields.

4

Type the security phrase and click on "Continue."

5

Click the boxes next to the names of the three reporting agencies to request the corresponding reports.

6

Click "Next" to be transferred to the site of the first agency. Enter the last four digits of your Social Security number to validate the request. Continue to validate the requests for the other two agencies. After finishing, you will be taken to the "Order Summary" page. Click "Submit" to be taken to the "Verification" page.

7

Answer the personal questions on the "Verification" page to prove your identity and click "Continue." On the next page your will be able to review and print your first report.