How to request your free credit report
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

This information is provided to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about your free credit report:

What is a credit report?
A credit report is essentially your credit “report card.” It contains information about where you live, where you hold accounts, how many loans you have and the outstanding balances, and if you pay your bills on time. It also includes whether you’ve been sued, arrested or have filed for bankruptcy.

Why should I check my credit report?
Financial institutions such as banks, mortgage companies and credit card companies review your credit report when you apply for credit. Your report will help determine whether you can get a loan, and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. Your credit report may also be reviewed by prospective employers when you apply for a job. Mistakes and inaccuracies on your credit report could prevent you from refinancing your home, buying a car, getting insurance or even getting a job!

You should also routinely monitor your credit report to help guard against identity theft, making sure thieves have not used your personal information to open a new account or apply for credit in your name.

How do I request my report?
The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up one central web site, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address through which you can order your free annual report(s):

• To order online, go to www.annualcreditreport.com
• To order by phone, call (877) 322-8228
• To order by mail, complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail to:
  Annual Credit Report Request Service
  P.O. Box 105281
  Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

What information will I need to provide?
To request your free credit report you will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address. To maintain the security of your report, each nationwide consumer reporting company may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.

Should I order all the reports at once?
The law allows you to order one free copy from each of the companies every 12 months. Remember, because the information in your report from one company may not reflect all, or the same, information in your reports from the other two companies, you will want to check all three.

You may order one, two, or all three reports at the same time, or you may stagger your requests. It’s your choice. Some financial advisors say staggering your requests during a 12-month period may be a good way to keep an eye on the accuracy and completeness of the information in your reports.

Please note that you should not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. Free annual credit reports are only available using the centralized contact information provided at left.

What if I find errors?
If you find inaccuracies or incomplete information in your credit report, you should contact the individual consumer reporting company and also the source of the information that you believe is in error.

Consumer reporting companies must investigate the items in question, usually within 30 days, and the creditor or other information provider must take appropriate action if the information is in question.

How do I find out more?
For answers to additional questions you may have about the free credit report program, visit the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov/credit, or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

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