How to Check Your Credit Rating

It is important to know your credit rating and the information listed on your credit report. Being familiar with the information in your credit report will allow you to fight potential identity fraud and incorrectly reported information. It also will put you in the right direction toward improving your credit score. With government-sponsored free credit report incentives, there are several options for consumers who wish to request their credit reports.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Request Your Free Credit Report by Internet

1. Log on to the Annual Credit Report website.

2. Use the drop-down menu to select your state of residence. Click "Request Report."

3. Enter information into each required field. Start with your name, date of birth and Social Security number. Follow with your current address and previous address. Indicate whether you have received a credit report in the last 2 years. Finish by entering the security code provided. Click "Continue."

4. Select one or more of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies provided. Request to receive your credit report from TransUnion, Experian and/or Equifax. Click "Next" to continue.

5. Click to be transferred to a requested credit reporting agency's website. View your free credit report.

6. Navigate to additional credit reporting companies, if applicable.

7. Go to the DMV website provided below in "Resources" to access your free credit report, if you prefer an online alternative to the Annual Credit Report website.

8. Scroll down to the "Click here" tag. Double right-click to proceed.

9. Fill in the required information fields. Enter your name, email address and street address.

10. Indicate whether you have lived at your current residence for more than 6 months, and click "Continue."

11. Create a username and password, and select a reminder phrase and answer.

12. Enter your Social Security number, date of birth and mother's maiden name.

13. Enter your credit card number and expiration date. Your credit card will not be charged during the free trial period. You will have to cancel the order within the 9-day trial period in order to avoid the $14.95 fee.

14. Read the terms of the free trial agreement. Scroll down and double right-click on the "Submit Secure Order" tab.

Request Your Free Credit Report by Mail

15. Visit the ftc.gov/credit website or call 1-877-322-8228 to request a free Credit Report Request Form.

16. Complete the Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta GA 30348-5281.

17. Wait to receive your free credit report by mail.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the Federal Trade Commission, "The law allows you to order one free copy of your report from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies every 12 months."
• Immediately report any incorrect information found on your credit report.

Resources

• Annual Credit Report
• Free Credit Report DMV Center
• FTC Free Credit Report

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.