Under U.S. law, you are entitled to receive one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) annually. Here’s how to get your free credit report:
- Visit AnnualCreditReport.com:
- The only authorized website to get your free annual credit reports is AnnualCreditReport.com. Be cautious of other websites that claim to offer free credit reports, as they may require you to sign up for paid services.
- Request Your Reports:
- On the AnnualCreditReport.com homepage, click on the “Request your free credit reports” button. You will be prompted to provide personal information, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.
- Choose Credit Bureaus:
- You can request credit reports from one, two, or all three of the major credit bureaus. It’s a good practice to request reports from all three to ensure accuracy across the board.
- Answer Security Questions:
- To verify your identity, you may be asked a series of security questions based on your credit history. Answer these questions accurately.
- Request Reports:
- Once your identity is verified, you can request your credit reports from the selected credit bureaus.
- Review and Save Your Reports:
- After receiving your credit reports, carefully review them for accuracy. Check for errors, discrepancies, or unauthorized accounts. If you find any inaccuracies, dispute them with the respective credit bureau(s).
- Store or Print Your Reports:
- Save electronic copies of your credit reports or print physical copies for your records. You may need them for future reference or when applying for credit.
- Monitor Your Credit Regularly:
- Keep a close eye on your credit reports throughout the year, especially if you’re actively managing your credit or if you suspect identity theft or errors on your reports.
Remember that your free annual credit reports provide a snapshot of your credit history at a given time. If you need to access your credit reports more frequently or want to receive credit monitoring services, you can consider using reputable credit monitoring apps or services that offer ongoing access to your credit information and updates.