How to get a Copy of Your Credit Report

Credit Report: How can I get a copy of my credit report file?

The Three Major Credit Bureaus

There is no single credit report on you. The three major credit bureaus —Equifax, Experian and Trans Union (see "The Three Major Credit Bureaus")—each have their own credit report on you. The reason for this is that each credit bureau may have different information in your credit report, therefore, it is advisable that you obtain a copy of each credit report from the three major credit bureaus.

To get copies of your credit report, contact the credit bureaus listed below. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the most you will have to pay is $9. However, in certain situations, your credit report can be obtained free of charge. Some states even require credit bureaus to periodically provide free credit reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you free copies of your credit reports if you suspect that you are the victim of fraud (such as identity theft), or if you receive state welfare benefits or are unemployed. The Fair Credit reporting Act also entitles you to a free copy of your credit report if you were recently denied a loan or other benefit based on that report.

"The law works on your behalf by requiring the lender to tell you the reason for the denial, the name of the credit bureau, and the fact that you are entitled to a free copy of the report on you," explains Lafleur. "You can then determine if any credit report information is wrong, and if it is, you can immediately begin the process of correcting it." He adds that, under the FCRA, if an employer intends to deny a job application or terminate employment based on information in your credit report, the employer must provide you a copy of the report before finalizing that decision.

Update: New Law to Make It Easier to Obtain and Correct Your Credit Reports

A new law, as set out in Congress in November 2003 helps you ensure the accuracy of your credit report whilst enabling you to monitor your credit files for evidence of identity theft. From December 1, 2004 you'll be able to obtain your free annual credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus. From the same date, lenders must also notify you if they plan to report negative information about you to a credit bureau. The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) and the Federal Reserve Board (www.federalreserve.gov) have issued these rules to put this new law into effect.

Getting a copy of your credit file credit report, credit report file is a relatively straightforward process. By law, you are entitled to disclosure of your credit file. The charge is under $10.00 and may be reduced or free in some states. See below:

*You are entitled to one free credit report during any 12-month period no matter where you live, if you:

• Are unemployed and intend to apply for employment in the next 60 days
• Are on public welfare assistance 
• Believe your file contains inaccurate information due to fraud 
• You are also entitled to a free report if you have received notice of an adverse decision (such as denial of credit, insurance, or employment) within the past 60 days

Here are the three major Credit Reporting Agencies

When requesting a credit report by mail, be sure to include your full name, current address, Social Security Number, and most recent former address for file-matching purposes. The three major credit bureaus are: