Carrie Reeder asked:


Ready to apply for a mortgage loan? Thinking about getting a new credit card? Before you do, you may want to review a copy of your credit report to ensure that all your information is accurate. And, fortunately, there are quite a few ways to obtain a free copy of your credit report. Here’s how:

Make a phone call

There are three major credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. They are legally required to provide you with a copy of your credit report–for free!–once a year. And obtaining your report can be as simple as making a phone call! Just do an Internet search to find the phone numbers of the three credit reporting bureaus, and call each one individually. In most cases you’ll give your information to an automated voice mail service, and in no time at all your reports will be delivered to your mailbox.

Write a letter

Don’t trust the automated voice mail system? Need your request in writing for paperwork reasons? When you search online for the three credit bureaus’ information, look for a snail mail address. In most cases, you can simply send a letter that includes all your basic information–name, address, social security number, phone number and previous addresses. Ask for a copy of your credit report. Although this process takes a little longer than a phone call–because you have to wait for the postal service–you should still have your credit reports in a relatively short amount of time.

Go online!

The quickest and easiest way to get your free credit report is to go online. You can either access your reports directly through the credit reporting bureau, or you can find a website that consolidates these reports into one. Either way, you’ll get your information instantly–no waiting! You can print out your report so that you can review it at your leisure.

No matter which method you choose for obtaining your credit report, remember: it should be free once a year. However, you may have to pay a small fee if you want your credit score, too.



Lynn

Carrie Reeder asked:


Each consumer with credit history should obtain a copy of their report annually. The cost of credit reports vary. If obtaining a copy from the credit bureaus, consumers may pay $15 per bureau. However, some online credit agencies advertise low cost credit reports. Rather than paying for a credit report, consider obtaining a free report.

Who Qualifies for a Free Credit Report?

By law, each consumer is entitled to one free credit report each year. Although reports are free, consumer may have to pay a few bucks to view their credit score. Despite this incentive to encourage credit report monitoring, many people neglect to review the contents of their report. This results in millions becoming victims of identity theft each year. Free credit reports are available online, and viewable for up to 30 days. However, other factors may also qualify you for a free credit report.

Credit Report Inaccuracies

If you believe that your credit report contains errors or mistakes, you are a good candidate for a free credit report from each of the three bureaus. The majority of people only review their report from one bureau. However, if the contents on the Experian report are inaccurate, it’s worth obtaining copies of the other three reports to ensure that the same mistake has not occurred twice.

Denied Credit, Employment, or Insurance

Although credit history has nothing to do with your ability to function well on the job or drive a car, many employers, and insurance agencies have begun checking credit reports. In some instance, a negative credit rating may prevent you from obtaining employment, or result in higher car insurance premiums. Individuals who have been denied a line of credit, employment, or insurance because of their credit will qualify for a free report.

Experience a Credit Limit Reduction or Interest Rate Increase

Unfortunately, creditors have the right to reduce credit limits and increase rates at their leisure. If you habitually make late payments or exceed your credit limit, a change in credit card limits and rates should be expected. However, if changes occur for no apparent reason, it helps to obtain a free copy of your report and ensure that all information is accurate.



Cody