- There are three major credit agencies available in the US. These credit agencies are: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. These agencies use software that is developed by Fair Issac Corp. The objective is to rate your risk to assuming debt which is based on your individual credit history. The score that is being used is called the FICO score. The FICO score can range between 300 to 850. The factors that are taken into consideration in order to calculate a credit score are the following: payment history, listings of accounts, balances, amounts owed, and the types of credit that have been obtained.
- These three major credit agencies are required to provide consumers with a free credit report upon request every year. This means that an individual can look up three free credit reports per year. There are three ways to request a free credit report.
- Visit AnnualCreditReport.com. The website conveniently provides you with links to all three major agency options. According to the website, it's "Quick, Easy, and Secure."
- Another option is to call (877) 322-8228. You have to go through a verification process over the phone.
- You can also complete the form on the back of the Annual Credit Report Request brochure. Mail the brochure to the following address: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The brochure can be ordered or printed. You can find the brochure on AnnualCreditReport.com. It is available through the Federal Trade Commission. The reports will be mailed within 15 days. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of the credit report.
