Video:How to View a Free Credit Report
with Maria BirchWant to learn the different ways to view a free credit report? Here, see tips and tricks for getting your free credit report as easily as possible.
Transcript:How to View a Free Credit Report
Hi I'm Maria Birch for About.com and this video will show you how to view a free credit report.Information About How to View a Free Credit Report
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers in the United States are entitled to receive a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies. These companies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion and they have set up three ways that you can order your free credit report each year.Viewing a Free Credit Report
The first way is to call the toll-free number: 1-877-322-8228.The second way to get a free credit report is to mail the Annual Credit Report Request Form to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The Annual Credit Report Request form can be found online at ftc.gov/credit.
The third way, which is the fastest way to get your report, is to go to annualcreditreport.com On the first screen you'll be asked to select your state. On the next screen, you'll be asked to fill out your name, address, social security number and date of birth. On the following screen, you can choose to order a free annual credit report from one, two or all three of the consumer reporting companies at the same time.
More Ways to View a Free Credit Report
You can also choose to order a free report from each of the companies at different times. The choice is entirely up to you. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when ordering your free credit report:- Firstly, According to the Federal and Trade Commission (FTC), "Only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law — annualcreditreport.com"
- Secondly, don't contact the consumer reporting companies directly. If you do, you may be charged for your credit report unless you fit other criteria for a free report. This criteria includes being denied credit, housing or employment because of the information in your credit report.
- Thirdly, your free credit report does not include a credit score. In order to get your credit score, you must pay a fee.