How to Get a Written Credit Report

A written credit report is a financial history. Typically, it contains information about your previous and current residence, accounts, balances and payment behavior. According to the Federal Trade Commission, a written credit report also indicates “whether you have been sued, or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy.” This information is collected by three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), then is sold to creditors, insurers and employers. Since the information listed in your credit report is used to evaluate your credit worthiness, it is crucial that you order a copy and check it for errors. Learn how to get a written credit report in the following steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen
• Printer

1. Go to the Federal Trade Commission website to learn more about your rights as a consumer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Understand that you are entitled to a free credit report from each credit bureau annually.

2. Prepare to give your contact information. Get ready to list your name, address, social security number and date of birth. Expect to answer one or two personal questions for verification purposes, such as the name of your student loan lender or the amount of your mortgage payment.

3. Get a written credit report by phone. Call the Annual Credit Report Request Service to order a credit report.

4. Get a written credit report over the Internet. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com (the website of the Annual Credit Report Request Service) and complete the steps to get a report.

5. Get a written credit report by mail. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, then print a copy of the Annual Credit Report Request Form. Fill out the fields, then send it to the address listed on the brochure.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also get a written credit report from the credit bureaus directly for free, provided you meet certain criteria. You must have received a written notice that you have been denied credit, insurance or employment based on information contained in your report. Also, you can get a copy if you live in a state that allows residents access to free reports: Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont--or if you expect to look for employment within 60 days, are a welfare recipient or have reason to believe you are the victim of identity theft. Otherwise you will have to purchase a copy of your written credit report.
• You can get instant access to your credit report when you order it online. Usually, you get a written credit report through the mail within 15 days.
• Watch for scams. The Annual Credit Report Request Service is the only source authorized to give free reports. Other websites may claim to offer free reports, but they are usually offered with conditions attached.

Resources

• Annual Credit Report
• Federal Trade Commission

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.