How to Get a Copy of Your Credit Report
Under the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report each year from each of the three main credit bureaus. To obtain your free report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call 877.322.8228, or write to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
There are three main, independent credit bureaus who maintain your credit reports: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. You may contact them at the following:
Equifax Information Services
PO Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com
Experian Consumer Assistance
(Call for mailing address for your state)
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com
TransUnion
PO Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
1-800-888-4213
www.transunion.com
What is a 3-in-1 Report?
A 3-in-1 report compiles all the credit information available on you from each of the three reporting companies into one document. Some credit card companies or other lenders use this report when deciding if you are a credit risk, so it can be a useful tool to review if you are applying for a particular loan or credit card. You generally must pay for a 3-in-1 report.
When Else Can I Get a Free Credit Report?
In addition to the annual free copy, you may also be entitled to a free report if:
- A lender or creditor (or other individual, for example, a potential employer) has taken adverse action against you because of information in your credit report.
- You have been the victim of identify theft and have included a fraud alert in your file or you believe your file contains inaccurate information as a result of fraud.
- You are on public assistance.
- You are unemployed but applying for employment within 60 days.
