How to Get a Free Annual Credit Report

A credit report contains information about your payment history on credit cards, loans, mortgages, bankruptcies, etc. By law, you can get one free copy of your credit report every 12 months.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. GO to AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the ONLY official source authorized by the Federal Trade Commission to offer a free annual credit report. You can request your report online, by phone or by mail.

2. OPTION 1 - online request. Provide AnnualCreditReport.com with your state, name, date of birth, social security number, and address. They will generate a copy of your credit report that you can print out.

3. OPTION 2 - by phone. Just call 877-322-8228 and provide them with the above stated information. They will mail you a copy of your credit report.

4. OPTION 3 - snail mail. Complete and mail the Annual Credit Report Request Form to Annual Credit report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

Tips & Warnings

• Review your credit report for errors.
• Information in your credit report is used to determine your credit score.
• Equifax, Transunion and Experian are the three major credit bureaus that collect and provide the data that appear in your credit report.
• Watch for scams! There are many "imposter" sites out there. The ONLY authorized source for the free annual report is AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Incorrect or out-dated information in your credit report can cost you a job or a home rental because many employers, landlords and other businesses use the credit report to evaluate your applications for employment, home rental, etc.

Resources

• Get Your Free Annual Credit Report
• Annual Credit Report Request Form

[coachniquenya]

on 6/6/2009 Quick, easy and to the point. Thanks for the warning about scammers. There are many out there. 5*