How Do I Get a Free Credit Report That Doesn't Require a Credit Card?

Television commercials and online ads for free credit reports are common, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that they have a catch. You must buy something and pay for it with a credit card or sign up for some type of trial membership in order to qualify for a free report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act entitles you to free Equifax, Experian and TransUnion reports every year without entering a credit card number, but they must be ordered from a special website.

Instructions

1

Gather your financial records and Social Security number (SSN). AnnualCreditReport.com will ask for your SSN, and the credit bureau from which you order your report will ask for additional financial information to prove your identity. AnnualCreditReport.com will then route you to the appropriate web page for that bureau. Typical security questions involve your mortgage holder and payment amount or credit card accounts.

2

Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, which the FTC states is the official, free, no-obligation credit report website. Select your state of residence from the drop-down box on the home page and click the "Request Report" button.

3

Enter your information on the AnnualCreditReport.com form--your name, address, date of birth, SSN, and current and previous addresses, according to Summit Credit Union's guide.

4

Choose the credit bureau from which you want a credit report. You can select one, two or all three. MSN Money recommends ordering one every four months so you can monitor your credit regularly throughout each annual period. AnnualCreditReport.com will then route you to the correct page for each bureau to complete the order.

5

Fill out the required information when you are transferred to the appropriate credit bureau website. You may receive offers for paid services. Do not select any of them because they require a credit card. You will never have to enter a credit card number to complete your credit report order if you avoid all the offers.

6

Print out your credit report when you have completed the order process. You will be eligible for another free report from the chosen bureau in twelve months from the date of your order.