Under the rules set out by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you're entitled to obtain a free copy of your credit report once a year, or every 12 months. Your credit report includes information on your bill payment habits, records of any convictions or court judgments against you and where you have lived over the period covered by your credit report. Businesses may use the information in your credit report to decide whether or not to lend you money, employ you, issue you credit or insurance or otherwise do business with you. If you are unemployed and looking for a job, you are eligible for a free credit report. People who are the victims of fraud or identity theft can also request a free credit report.
Step 1
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
Step 2
Be prepared to give or fill in information, including your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number and current address. If you have lived at your current address for less than two years, include your previous address as well.
Step 3
Answer a security question, such as identifying a county you have lived in, naming your monthly mortgage payment or another piece of information that confirms your identity.
Step 4
Choose whether you want a credit report from Equifax, Experian or TransUnion, or if you want credit reports from each of these agencies.
Step 5
Download your credit report if you requested it online--it should be immediately available. If you requested it by phone, expect it to arrive within 15 days.
Tips and Warnings
- You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every 12 months, which means you can get a free credit report three times a year by choosing a different agency each time. If you are monitoring your credit, this can be a good strategy. You're also entitled to a free copy of your credit report if you get turned down for a credit card, job or other endeavor because of your credit. You must request the credit report within 60 days.
- AnnualCreditReport.com is the only site that issues a free credit report. If you visit the sites of the three credit reporting agencies or other credit reporting sites, you may have to pay for your report.
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