A stellar credit rating improves your financial health -- and understanding the information contained in your credit file has an impact on your finances. Keeping up with your credit rating and the information contained in your file is important. Armed with this information, you can prevent fraud and identity theft and negotiate the best interest rates for important purchases. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, requires that each national credit reporting agency provide consumers with one free report annually, and the agencies provide one venue to request your reports.
Go to the Annual Credit Report website (see Resources).
2
Select your state from the drop-down menu and click "Request Report."
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Enter your information. The online form requests your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth. Click "Continue."
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Click the checkbox for each company from which you would like to receive your report. You can select Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Click "Next."
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Click "Next" again and enter the information requested from each agency. Each agency may request verification details, such as information from your credit file, to confirm your identity. Complete the process and view each report online.
Mail or Telephone
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Call the annual credit report hotline at 877-322-8228 to request your reports. Complete the prompts, and allow seven to 10 business days to receive your information.
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Go to the Federal Trade Commission website and download the Annual Credit Report Request Form (see Resources).
3
Complete the form and mail it to the address provided on the form. Allow at least 15 days to receive your information by mail.
Tips & Warnings
If you are denied credit, you can request a free credit report within 60 days of the denial by writing or calling the credit report company used in the decision.
One of them is not being restricted to a limited pool of credit cards when going over your credit cards comparison. A one time credit report can solve these problems for you if you request it at a crucial time, like after having financial difficulties or when considering a large purchase. Do yourself the favor and take the time to request one online. It will give you peace of mind.
Many things can drop your credit rating, including inquiries from banks and potential lenders. A conscientious consumer checks her credit report routinely...
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the three nationwide consumer-reporting companies---Equifax, Experian and TransUnion---are required to provide you with a free ...
