Starting down the path to credit repair and improving your credit score requires a look at your credit report to know where you stand now. Fortunately, every consumer is entitled to a free credit report, once every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The web site, annualcreditreport.com was established to help consumers get a free credit report without cost, hassles and complications.
To get a free credit report, consumers can go online to obtain their credit report almost immediately or get a free credit report by requesting one via mail or with a phone call. To get a free credit report online, simply follow the instructions at annualcreditreport.com and your credit report will be available immediately upon authentication of your identity by the web site.
A request for your credit report by phone can be made by calling 1-877-322-8228. And lastly, consumers can get a free credit report by completing the request form directly at the web site and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Consumers that use the web site to get a free credit report will need to provide their name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you have been at your current home address for less than two years, the credit reporting agency may request your previous address as well. Each credit reporting agency may have different security features to validate your identity and request specific information from you to authenticate who you are.
Consumers can request a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies all at once or a request can be made to get a free credit report from each of the three different credit reporting agencies one at a time. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows consumers to get a free credit report from each credit reporting company every 12 months.
Because the information in your credit report has become so important for many aspects of our lives and is often used to establish credit, obtain home loans and credit cards, obtain and price insurance, determine employment eligibility, and renting a home, it is recommended by a number of sources that consumers make sure the information in their credit report is accurate and follows the laws regarding content. The Fair Credit Reporting Act was passed by Congress to protect consumers regarding access and data in their credit reports provided guaranteed access to your credit report for free from the three nationwide credit reporting agencies.
The Federal Trade Commission carries a great deal of information on credit report access and credit report scams and problems. The FTC web site reminds consumers that annualcreditreport.com is the only web site authorized to handle consumer requests for the free annual credit report they are entitled to under the law.
Reviewing your credit report can also help protect you from identity theft and unauthorized activity. Your credit report is also the foundation for your credit scores. In order to try and improve your credit scores and credit history, it is essential that you review the contents of your credit report to get a better idea of your current credit status.
There are additional situations covered by law that may entitle a consumer to get a free credit report. Some situations in which you may be entitled to get a free credit report include: if you have been turned down on an application for credit, insurance, or employment, and you request a copy of your credit report within 60 days of receiving a required notice of denial due to your credit situation or if you are currently unemployed and intend to search for a new place of employment within 60 days or if you are currently receiving welfare benefits or if your credit report is inaccurate because of fraudulent activity involving your credit or is inaccurate due to situations involving identity theft.