Your credit score is the key to getting the best rates on big purchases. In fact, your credit can even dictate your ability to make future purchases. One of the key elements to maintaining good credit is to regularly monitor your credit report to make sure it accurately reflects your financial history. In order to do this, you'll need to know how to get a copy of your report. Credit is monitored by three major bureaus, and each can contain different information, so you'll want to get reports from all three agencies if possible.
Step 1
Take advantage of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which stipulates that the three major credit bureaus are required by law to give you one free copy of your credit report per year. According to the Federal Trade Commission, annualcreditreport.com is the only approved and federally endorsed place to get your free credit reports. Visit this website, enter in the required information and wait for your report to be delivered via mail or email.
Step 2
Use a free credit report service. Many companies offer free credit reports if you sign up for trials of their credit monitoring software or credit education programs. Provide a valid credit card and sign up for their service to get your free report. Cancel the service within the trial period to avoid getting monthly charges to your credit card.
Step 3
Follow the instructions on a credit denial. If you've recently been turned down for a loan or credit account, you can use that denial as grounds for receiving a copy of your report. The company will send you a letter explaining why they made their credit decision. Use the contact information at the end of the letter to request your credit report.
Step 4
Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion individually to order copies of your credit report. If you are interested in your free annual credit report, you must you use the process outlined in Step 1. If you're requesting additional copies of your report, you'll be required to pay a fee.
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