How To Get A Free Credit Report

Many people never take the time to examine their credit report, and then wonder why they have a hard time being approved for a loan. In many cases, there may be errors on their report that are adversely affecting their credit. By taking the time to look over this report carefully, they can correct these mistakes and improve their credit score.

There are three major companies that create these reports and provide them to banks, credit card companies, and other institutions. These are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. While you can purchase a copy of your report from one of these bureaus at any time, each company is also required by law to provide you with one free report per year.

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By alternating your requests, you can check your credit every four months without having to pay any money. For example, you could get a free report from Equifax in January, one from Experian in May, and a third from TransUnion in September. This way, you can keep a close eye on your credit history without having to pay the bureaus.

The best way to obtain a free copy of this report is by going to AnnualCreditReport.com. This website is the official site established to help consumers get these free copies. While other sites may claim to offer the same service, this is the only site that is officially authorized by the Federal government to provide such assistance.

It is important to note that while the credit bureaus are required to provide a free copy of your credit report, they do not have to tell your credit score. If you want to find out your FICO score, you may have to pay for it. However, you should first check to see if your bank or credit card company will give you your score for free.

Checking your credit report regularly for errors is an important part of maintaining a good credit rating. Get a free copy at least once a year and check it carefully for mistakes.

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