How to Get Free Credit Report and Scores

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By Kristi Patrice Carter
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Obtaining a free credit report is a great way to monitor your credit scores and ratings. It’s a great idea to do this before applying for any sort of credit at all – so you can be sure that your credit score is in good enough shape to get you a low interest rate. There are many benefits to monitoring your credit score and below you will find some information on how to get free credit report and scores.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

If You Have Applied for Credit Recently and Have Been Turned Down –

This is a great way to get a free credit report. If you’ve applied for credit recently and have been turned down, you probably received a notice in the mail letting you know why. On the back of this notice, or on the bottom, there should be information on how you can request a free credit report within 30 days of receiving the notice. Simply follow the instructions on the letter and you can get a free copy of your credit report.
Step 2

Free Yearly Credit Report –

Everyone is entitled to a free credit report each year. You can get this credit report in a number of different ways. First of all, you can write to each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Simply request a copy of your free yearly credit report and include information such as your name, social security number, address and contact details.
Step 3

Online –

Another way, which is much easier, is to visit www.annualcreditreport.com and request a free copy of your credit report and scores. Don’t be fooled by other websites that promise a free copy – most of them will eventually have you pay something. In fact, www.annualcreditreport.com is the only website authorized to actually give you a free copy of your report, so make sure you’re going to the right website.
Step 4

Analyzing Your Report –

Your free credit report will come in handy in many situations, including monitoring or repairing your credit. You will be able to see what sort of scores you have on your credit report and determine whether all debts are actually yours. Sometimes, credit bureaus or agencies make mistakes and place the wrong debts on the wrong credit reports.
Step 5

Disputing Wrong Charges –

If you feel that a score which has been placed on your credit report is not yours or is not reported accurately, you can file a dispute with the credit bureaus so that the charges or debts can be investigated. If it’s determined that it doesn’t belong to you, it will be removed from your credit report and any affect it had on your credit score will be removed. The credit bureaus may also have to send a letter to companies you’ve recently applied for credit with and who turned you down because of those negative scores.
Step 6

By obtaining a free copy of your credit report and scores, you can keep an eye on your credit and be sure that it’s in good shape. You’ll be glad you did when it comes time to apply for credit to purchase a home, a car or something else that is needed. Good luck.

Comments

YuliyaDaniels said

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on 7/30/2009 great info though...

on 7/30/2009 see how to get free credit score and report without ever giving out your credit card information. no free trials, just always free...http://www.ehow.com/how_5241669_see-credit-score-credit-report.html