How to Get a Credit Report

In considering extending credit, two major components are involved: a credit report and credit scores. Some prospective creditors rely entirely upon a person’s credit score, while others use credit scores as only one factor in the decision whether to extend credit. The three major credit reporting agencies in the United States are Experian, Trans-Union and Equifax. Recently, each of the credit reporting agencies have been ordered to offer one free copy of a consumer credit report each year. There are other methods for obtaining a free report. If you have been denied credit, you can obtain a free credit report.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Copy of required identification (state-issued driver’s license or state I.D. card)
• Social Security Card
• Fee (if applicable)
• Envelope, if mailing
• Stamp, if mailing

1. Visit the official website for claiming your once-a-year free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies.

2. Go to the respective credit reporting agency website, if you have been turned down for credit based on information contained in that company’s credit report. Although there are sometimes glitches which can prevent you from retrieving your credit report online, you can still request a copy via postal mail.

3. Send the required information and copies of identification along with any other items required by the credit reporting agencies. Include payment fees, if required (i.e., if you have already used your free annual credit report or have not received an adverse decision for credit).

4. Review your credit report for errors. If you dispute any item(s) listed by a creditor which has listed derogatory credit information, you should complete a dispute form which usually is provided along with the credit report that was sent to you.

5. Payment is required in order to obtain your credit score. Your credit score is often used in a creditor’s decision to extend credit.

Tips & Warnings

• Reviewing your credit report on a regular basis will often help to prevent identity theft.
• There are many companies which offer credit reports for a fee. Usually, there is not need to pay anyone to get a copy of your credit report because you can always get your free annual credit report online and if obtaining credit has been a problem for you, denial letters allow you to also get a free report.

Resources

• This is the official website for obtaining a free annual credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies.
• This is Trans-Union’s website.
• This is Experian’s website.
• Here’s the Equifax website.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How strong is your score?  Did you know checking your own credit won’t affect your score? Click here to see yours in two easy steps from Experian.