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Step 1
~~Know your credit reporting rights~~
There are 3 nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each have their own version of a free credit report, which is authorized by the government. You are entitled to get a free credit report from each of the 3 credit reporting companies so it's your choice as to get all 3 at once or rotate and get one every 4 months. -
Step 2
~~Apply at the website for a free yearly credit report~~
The easiest way for me to obtain my credit report was by computer. Simply go to the Annual Credit Report website (see the link in the resource section) and apply. You'll need to select your state and click the Request Report button before being taken to a screen where you need to add in more personal information. -
Step 3
~~Select the credit reporting company you want your free credit report from~~
You'll be taken to a screen where you can specify any or all of the 3 credit reporting companies. Remember, you're entitled to ONE free report from EACH company per year. So, choose to either get them all (easy to compare) or one every 4 months (easy to check changes to your credit). -
Step 4
~~Answer some question that only you will know the answer to~~
To obtain my free credit report, I was asked simple question to verify my identity, such as a multiple choice question about the holder of my current mortgage. If you can't answer these questions, you will be denied your free credit report! -
Step 5
~~Get what you pay for~~
Your credit report is free, although the site will try to sell you items along the way. But, by law, your credit report is free. However, the catch here is, if you want to know your credit SCORE, you'll probably have to pay at least $7.95 and sometimes as much as $15.
Comments
ScarlettOHairy said
on 7/21/2009 Very thorough information on getting credit reports. Thanks!