How To Request a Free Annual Credit Report

Introduction

There are three ways to request a free annual credit report. You can do this over the telephone, through the mail or on the Internet. The fastest and easiest way to request your free annual credit report is over the Internet. You will be able to see your report right away instead of waiting for it to come in the mail.

Step 1

Visit the free annual credit report website. The web address is, https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp. This site will allow you to get a free annual credit report each year. You will be able to get one from each of the credit reporting agencies. That is Transunion, Experian, and Equifax. Once you are on the website, you will see a box that says start here to view and print your credit report. Select your state and then click request report. 

Step 2

• Fill in the information requested. You will have to enter your name, address, date of birth and social security number. You will also need your previous address if you have not been at your current address for at least two years. Once your finished, click continue. 

Step 3

• Choose one of the three credit reporting agencies to begin with. The name of all three will be shown, click one of the names to begin. You will be able to come back. Once you review your report from one agency, you will be able to click return to free annual credit report. Clicking that will take you back to the page that will allow you to choose the next agency, to view that report. You should always view all three as they may have different information on each one.

Step 4

• You will be presented with a series of questions that you must answer. These may be a list of addresses and you must pick the one associated with you, or it could be which mortgage company is yours, where you have a car loan, or a previous employer. These questions are used to ensure that you receive the correct free annual credit report. If you are unable to answer or answer incorrectly, you may receive a notice that you have to call or mail in for your free annual credit report. 

 

Step 5

• Look over all of the information on your free annual credit report. It is important to check for errors and to make sure that all information pertains to you. If you find any errors, you should dispute the item. You can do this online by clicking the file a dispute button. Give your reasons for believing there is an error. The credit reporting agency will have thirty days to investigate the item. If it is found to be in error, it will be removed from your credit report.

Step 6

• Print your free annual credit report. Click the button at the top of the page that returns you to the page to order your credit report from the next credit reporting agency.

Tips

Make it a point to order your free annual credit report each year. It is important to know what is on your credit report.

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