How to Get a Truly Free Credit Report

Phoning is one of three ways to get a free credit report.

If you need to get a copy of your credit report, you will never pay anything if you know where to look. There is one website that exists to help consumers obtain a free copy annually from each of the three major bureaus. This will enable you to keep close tabs on your record, whatever your purpose.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection.
• Credit card if you want your credit score.

Instructions

1. Access annualcreditreport.com. After you log on securely, you will be directed to one of the three credit bureaus --- Experian, Equifax or TransUnion --- depending upon which one you choose. Because the website is federally mandated, there is no fee to access your report.

2. Obtain your report one of three ways. Access it online via the homepage; call 877-322-8228; or write to: Annual Credit Report Request Service; P.O. Box 105281; Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Allow two to three weeks for delivery

3. Purchase your credit score directly from the bureau for a nominal fee. While the report is free, the score is not. The report will list the most important aspects of your credit report free, such as inquiries, past due amounts, derogatory information and more. Those are the items you want to carefully check.

Tips & Warnings

• Obtain a report from one agency every four months. This way you will be reviewing what is on file for you at least once a year from each of the three major bureaus.

• Both reporting and scores among the three major bureaus can vary dramatically.

• Do not confuse this site with freecreditreport.com and its regular television advertisements.

References

• Bankrate: How to get your free credit report

Resources

• Annual Credit Report: Annual Credit Report Request Form