How to Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report

Getting a copy of your credit report is fairly simple and allows you to keep track of your credit history and check for errors.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Envelopes
• Credit Reports
• Postage Stamps

1. Visit the Web site for one of these credit reporting agencies: Equifax (www.equifax.com), TransUnion (www.transunion.com) or Experian (www.experian.com).

2. Decide whether you want to order a report online, by phone or by mail.

3. Have a credit or debit card handy if ordering online or by phone.

4. Include your full name, current address and any other addresses you have had in the last two years, Social Security number, date of birth, current employer and phone number if ordering by mail. Sign your request and include a check for the applicable amount. You can expect to receive a paper copy of your credit report within 15 business days.

5. Review the report closely for errors. If you do find errors, inform the bureau in writing that you believe the information is in error. Include copies of any documentation to support your position.

6. Consider using one of the services that reports information from all of the major agencies - they can sometimes report information differently.

Tips & Warnings

• You may qualify for a free copy of your credit report if you can verify one of the following: You are unemployed, on welfare or plan to seek employment within 60 days; you have recently been refused credit due to something in your credit report; you believe you are a victim of fraud; you live in Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Vermont, Massachusetts or New Jersey.

[infoexpress]

on 5/23/2009 Great article, I live in Georgia so I guess I can recieve one free! Thanks

[bseidel]

on 3/19/2009 You can also use annualcreditreport.com to get all 3 free at the same time.

[Marilynda]

on 2/8/2009 good article

[Cherrie]

on 11/15/2008 I had gone through fraud with my credit card, got involved with these 3 agencies who protected my ID for free for 30 days. I canceled within 30 days, they kept mailing and deducted from my banking account. Finally they wanted to have my Social Security number and I should tell them whether something was wrong with my credit report. I wrote: "Something is right and something is wrong, You are the last to whom I give my my Soc. Sec. number." They must have enjoyed my response, because I suddenly was free from this hassle. Your bank knows your credit in case of need, money gets printed like wild and you will get it if in need. Do not worry, all worries are lost energy. Better write another article. We need to help each other maybe more and more by email or else.

[SueanneD]

on 10/29/2008 Helpful tips. Thanks. I once heard somewhere that your credit rating could actually be affected if you request a credit report. Do you know if this is true?