Keeping tabs on what is displayed in your credit report is an important part of being financially responsible. With episodes of identity theft continually on the rise, never has it been more important to keep track of what debts are listed in your credit report. Your ability to get a copy of your credit report and score has become much easier over the years with the ability to request a copy online, by mail, or even by phone.
Step 1
Gather together all the necessary personal information. When you call to get your credit reports and score, the representative on the other line will ask for specific identifying information to be sure that your report is only being sent to the person whose name is on it. Before calling the credit report agency, have your birth date, social security number, and list of current and past addresses where you have lived available for verification over the phone.
Step 2
Call 1-877-322-8228. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has simplified the process of obtaining your credit reports and scores by providing only one number to call. Through this number you can obtain all three credit reports, instead of three separate numbers for each credit reporting agency. This number is also valid to receive your free yearly credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion; however receiving your credit score requires an additional charge. Tell the representative on the phone you would like to receive your credit report in the mail with your score, and provide them with the correct address of where to send the credit report to. You will need a credit or debit card number to purchase the additional credit scores.
Step 3
Watch the mail. Your credit reports and scores should show up in your mailbox within 5-10 business days. Business days do not include Saturdays and Sundays.
Step 4
Dispute any incorrect items. After receiving your credit report, it is important to look over each debt and insure they are valid. To dispute an item on your credit report, you must notify the specific credit reporting agency (such as Experian) that has listed the debt, and you must do so in writing. Send copies of any documentation or other proof that the debt is not valid along with the letter. You cannot dispute an item on your credit report over the phone; however, you can call the credit reporting agency directly for directions on how to dispute your item. Once the item has been cleared, your credit score should go up. Unfortunately, you will need to purchase your credit score again to see how much it was affected.
Step 5
Consider other methods. If you are unable to order your credit reports by phone, you can also order them by sending a request in writing to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348
You can also request a copy of all three credit reports online at annualcreditreport.com
Tips and Warnings
- If you need to contact a credit reporting agency directly, use the following contact information. Experian- 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com TransUnion- 1-800-916-8800 www.transunion.com Equifax- 1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com
- If you have already had your free credit reports for the year, you will have to contact each credit report agency directly by phone to request a copy of each unique credit report, as well as pay a fee for the service.
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