Free Annual Credit Report & Score, Equifax Credit Report, Experian Credit Report

Welcome to Report-Free

The only place to get your yearly free credit report from the three reporting agencies is AnnualCreditReport.com. However, before you disappear, you might want to continue reading to discover some great credit reporting tips we are sure you want to know.

Beware of Identity Theft - Watch for Free Annual Credit Report Scams

First, because this is important, we need to warn you about credit report scams. Some unethical people sending emails are simply in the business of stolen identities and fraud. If you receive an email message or phone call offering free credit reports, DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION.

Have we said that strongly enough?

Identity theft is a real problem, with serious implications. Don't give these bums the information they need to turn your life upside down! Please forward the message to spam@uce.gov.

About Your FREE Credit Report

Why is it Free?

The US government passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). It requires the consumer reporting companies [Experian (888-397-3742), Equifax (800-525-6285) and TransUnion (800-680-7289) ] to give you your credit report for free if you ask for it, once every 12 months.

My FICO Score vs. My Credit Report

Your FICO score is not the same as your credit report. Your credit score is only one of the factors FICO looks at. Click here to find out more about your FICO score.

Why Get your Personal Credit Report?

Your free credit report and score may be used to determine if you'll

• get a loan
• buy insurance
• get a job
• rent a house or apartment

Also, if someone has stolen you identity and opened credit cards in your name, they aren't going to be paying those bills. It will look like you have been delinquent and are a poor credit risk. And the companies expect to be paid. They may try to come after you.

Here's another reason. Some car dealerships are less than honest. (We're being kind.) They may tell you they have to charge you a higher interest rate because they checked your credit and found that you are not a good credit risk, when, in fact, you are. If you have done your homework, you will have your credit report in hand and they won't be be able to take advantage of you. (We suggest not giving that dealership your business.)

Can you think of a good reason why not to get your free credit reports, except, maybe, procrastination?

Why PAY for a Credit Report When You Can Get One For Free?

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion will send you a credit report for free every year. But what if something happens between now and a year from now? Even if you stagger your requests to the three companies, there would still be four months between getting your free reports.

Each of these companies offers services which are well worth the money, we think. If you contact them directly, you can sign up for their plan which charges you monthly and allows you unlimited access to your credit report. You could check it every day, if you want. You will still get your free report when you sign up for the trial period. Some of them even offer unlimited free access for the first 30 days. After 30 days, they will charge your credit card the specified amount.

You can also buy just one report, but you may have to do that over the telephone.

What Can You Do To Repair Your Credit Score?

Once you get your report, if your score is lower than you would like, don't despair. There are some things you can do to raise your score. Please click here to find some steps you can take to improve your credit score.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Report?

If you go to AnnualCreditReport.com to request your free reports, you should be able to access the information immediately. If you order it by phone, it will be mailed within 15 days. If you mail in the form, they will mail you the report within 15 days of receiving the form.

If there is an unusually high volume of requests for credit reports, you may be asked to resubmit your request. Or you may be advised that it will be mailed later than 15 days after the request.

If you contact Equifax, Experian of TransUnion directly online, you should be able to access the report immediately.

What Information Will They Ask For?

Your name, social security number, date of birth, current mailing address and previous mailing address. In addition, you may be asked for information that only you will know, like the amount of your mortgage payment. The three companies may ask you for different information.

If you mail in your form, be aware that they will request any additional information by mail. That will slow down the process and delay your getting the report

What Information Will Your Credit Report Have?

If your report is sent to a company upon request, it will include information about where you live, whether you pay your bills on time, if you have been sued, arrested or filed for bankruptcy within the last 10 years.

Can You Get a Free Credit Report More Often Than Once a Year?

There are certain circumstances where you can, by law, get a free credit report, even if you've already asked for one within the last 12 months.

If you receive a notice that you have been denied

• credit
• insurance
• employment

AND you ask for the report within 60 days of receiving the notice.

The notice will give you the name, address and phone number of the company that did the credit report.

If you are unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days.

If you are on welfare.

If your report includes inaccuracies because of fraud or identity theft.

Why Order Three Different Reports?

The three companies have access to different information. Your reports from each of them may include different information.

Helpful Hint - Get a Report Every Four Months

Here's a hint. You can go to AnnualCreditReport.com and ask for a report from all three companies at once or you can request them individually. If you request them individually, you can space out the requests and get a report every four months. Some of the information in the three reports will vary because they get their information from different sources, but the overall information should be similar. And you will be alerted to any possible problems.

Can Anybody Who Wants One Get a Copy of My Report?

By law, only the following can get a copy of your report:

• creditors
• insurers
• employers (see below)
• businesses that use your credit information to evaluate your application for the above
• landlords

Special Restriction for Employers and Potential Employers

Your employer or potential employer can only access your credit report if you give them permission in writing.

Ways to Get Your FREE Credit Report

Instant FREE Credit Report ONLINE

To get your online credit report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com.

By Mail

To get a form you can print out and mail in, go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/requestformfinal.pdf

Mail the form to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

By Telephone

Call 877-322-8228. This is an automated service and can be called any time of the day, any day of the week.

Report Any Scams

If you get a spam email message trying to get you to go to their website for your "free credit report," don't go there because they may want to steal your identity. Please forward the message to spam@uce.gov.

Fix Credit Report Errors, Credit Report Dispute, Credit Errors Find out how to correct an error on your credit report.

Credit Bureau Reports, Free Credit Report Bureau, Innovis Credit Bureau Have you ever wondered where credit card companies get your name? Would you like to know how you can eliminate most credit card offers that come through the mail?