How to Obtain a Free Annual Copy of My Credit Report

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, an individual is entitled to a copy of his credit report at no charge annually. Designed to encourage individuals to make certain that the information in the credit reports is accurate, the FCRA allows an individual to check a credit report to make certain that the information about bill payment history or bankruptcy filings is accurate. After all, having the wrong information in a credit report can affect everything from future employment to whether or not you can get a bank loan.

Instructions

1

Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free copy of the credit report online. Once there, you will discover a secure online form that you must fill out. You will be asked for your full name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, your current address and your previous address. When you have filled out that information, you will be taken to a page that will have TransUnion, Experian and Equifax listed. These are the three nationwide credit reporting agencies that will be providing information to you.

2

Select whichever credit report you want to view. Under the law, you can see any or all of these once a year at no cost. From there, you will be taken to a site for which credit reporting agency you wished to examine. Once again, you will be asked a series of questions designed to confirm your identity. When you have successfully verified your identity, you will be taken a page that displays your credit history, including all bank accounts, credit accounts and mortgages, as well as payment history.

3

Call 1-877-322-8228 if you wish to obtain your free credit report via the telephone. An automated system will walk you through a series of questions to confirm your identity. Upon confirmation of your identity, your free copy of your credit report will be mailed to you. This process usually takes about four to six weeks.

4

Print out the form entitled "Annual Credit Report Request Form" obtained at the Federal Trade Commission website (see Resources) for your credit report to be mailed to you and if you do not wish to order over the phone. Fill out the information requested on the form and mail it to the address that is listed. After the form is processed, your credit report will be mailed to you. This process usually takes about six to eight weeks.