How to Order an Annual Credit Report by Phone

There are three major companies in the U.S. that keep credit report records, where credit card, mortgage and other lending companies go to find out about a person's credit. It once was complicated and sometimes expensive to get a copy of a credit report from each of the companies. Now, it's free to get an annual credit report, and it can even be done by phone.

Instructions

1. Call each of the three big credit agencies. The first, Equifax, can be reached at [phone]. The second, Experian, can be reached at [phone]. The third, TransUnion, can be reached at [phone].

2. Give each company the information they request. This will include your Social Security number and the last few addresses you've lived in if you're moved in the last few years. Be sure you have your information on hand when you call.

3. Make sure it has been at least a year since the last time you requested a credit report over the phone. If you requested one less than a year ago, you will have to pay each company for your credit report.

Tips & Warnings

• You can request that your report be sent to you without your full Social Security number on it. That way, if the envelope is intercepted before it gets to you, your number will not be compromised.

• Never give out credit information or Social Security numbers to anyone who calls. Credit agencies will not call you and offer you a credit report. If this occurs, it's a scam to get your information. The only time you should give out your information by phone is if you placed the call.