How to Get Your Annual Credit Report Free Online

(Free Consumer Information)

Update: New Law Makes it Easier than Ever to Obtain and Correct Your Credit Reports

In an important development, Congress in November 2003 passed a new law that helps you ensure the accuracy of your credit information and monitor your credit files for signs you may be a victim of identity theft. The law enables you to obtain a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus; this provision came into effect beginning December 1, 2004, in western states, with completion for the rest of the country due September 1, 2005.

Nationwide as of December 1, 2004, you have the right to learn your credit scores, which are designed to help predict how likely you are to repay a loan or make payments on time. As of the same date, merchants also must notify you if they plan to report negative information about you to a credit bureau. The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) and the Federal Reserve Board (www.federalreserve.gov) have issued rules to put the new law into effect.

The three nationwide credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and Transunion, have set up a central Website, toll-free number and mailing address where you can order your credit free report.

To order, you can visit their website at www.annualcreditreport.com. (Be aware, though, we disabled the link above as sometimes the site appears unobtainable. Perhaps the reason is due to consumer demand!)

Alternatively, you can call 877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form at www.ftc.gov and mail it to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

When you order, you will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. To verify your identity, you may need to provide some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.

Other ways to obtain your credit report:

How can I get a copy of my credit report?

The Three Major Credit Bureaus:

First, be aware that there is no one credit report on you. Most likely, each of the three major credit bureaus that operate nationwide—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—has a credit report on you. And because the credit bureaus can have different information and findings, many experts advise you to obtain your report from each of the three major credit bureaus. (There also are many smaller or regional credit bureaus that may have a report on you, but the big three are the most commonly known and used companies.)

To get copies of your reports, contact the credit bureaus listed below. Costs can vary, but under the latest Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules the most you can be charged is $9. And in certain situations, your credit report is free. For example, some states require credit bureaus to periodically provide free reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to obtain free copies of your credit reports if you suspect that you are the victim of fraud (such as identity theft), if you receive welfare assistance or are unemployed. The same law also entitles you to a free copy of a credit report if you were recently denied a loan or other benefit based on that report.

"The law works on your behalf by requiring the lender to tell you the reason for the denial, the name of the credit bureau, and the fact that you are entitled to a free copy of the report on you," You can then determine if any credit report information is wrong, and if it is, you can immediately begin the process of correcting it." Under the FCRA, if an employer intends to deny a job application or terminate employment based on information in your credit report, the employer must provide you a copy of the report before finalizing that decision.

By law, you are entitled to disclosure of your credit file. The charge is under $10.00 and may be reduced or free in some states. See below:

You are entitled to one free report during any 12-month period no matter where you live, if you:

Are unemployed and intend to apply for employment in the next 60 days?
Are on public welfare assistance?
Believe your file contains inaccurate information due to fraud?
You are also entitled to a free report if you have received notice of an adverse decision (such as denial of credit, insurance, or employment) within the past 60 days?

To request a copy of your credit file from each of three credit bureau, please contact:

Equifax
800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

Experian
888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
www.experian.com

Trans Union
800-916-8800
www.transunion.com

(Please note: Based upon the aim of provision of a free credit resource for US consumers, we do not charge for any of the information published on this Web page. EliminatingBadCredit.com has based this resource on generally available information. EliminatingBadCredit.com make no warranty of this information and specifically disclaims any liability for decisions based on the opinion and services herein contained. This is for informational use only.)

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