How to Obtain the Free Annual Credit Report

free credit check

The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to access a free annual credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there is only one official source to access your free credit reports: AnnualCreditReport.com.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit the Annual Credit Report website and select your state. Click on "Request Report" to continue.

2. Complete the information form on the next page. You have to add your name, address, social security number and date of birth. Enter the correct security characters and click "Continue."

3. Click on the boxes to the left of the credit reporting company logos. You can select all three reports, or just the ones you want. Click "Next" to continue.

4. Click "Next" to be taken to the site of the first credit reporting company. Fill out the required forms and answer the security questions to access your free report. Repeat the process for all of the credit reporting companies you chose.

Tips & Warnings

• Only visit the site set up by the three credit reporting agencies to allow you a free annual credit report once per year.

References

• FTC: Free Annual Credit Reports
• Annual Credit Report: Home