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Step 1
Contact the Annual Credit Report organization for a free credit report from the three credit reporting agencies. Fill out the online form, providing your name, address, social security number, and date of birth.
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Step 2
Choose how many reports you wish to receive. You may choose to receive one, two, or all three credit bureau reports. A screen will appear allowing you to immediately print your report. If you do not print your report at this time, you lose eligibility for a free credit report until next year.
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Step 3
Call the Annual Credit Report organization at 1-877-322-8228 to request your free credit report. Answer a few simple, verifying questions. The report will be delivered to you within 2 to 3 weeks.
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Step 4
Download a request form on the Annual Credit Report website to receive your report by mail. Once you have filled out the form, mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Your report will be sent to you within 15 days.
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Step 5
Request a free report from each bureau. If you have been denied credit or an insurance policy or employment, based on information obtained from your credit report, you are eligible to receive a free credit report. You are also eligible if you receive unemployment benefits or public assistance.
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Step 6
Pay each agency for your report if you need another report for reasons not stated in step 4 or less than a year has passed since receiving your last report. Visit the individual credit bureau websites to request the report, and pay the necessary charge. There are so many ways to receive a free report, however, that you shouldn't have to pay for a report except for unusual circumstances.
