Article by Mark Clayborne

Currently, there are three main credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. You should request your credit report from all three of these agencies. Your information is also available for free from each credit bureau every 12 months. Another option for obtaining personal reports is to get a three-in-one report. With this report, you get all three of your reports merged into one. If you want a three-in-one credit report, you have to buy it or subscribe to a credit monitoring service.

A good starting point for reviewing your credit history and information is The Annual Credit Report, a service sponsored by the three leading credit bureaus and authorized by the Federal Trade Commission. By using the Annual Credit Report website, you can see all three of your reports instantly as this service is offered to you for free once a year.

How do I get my report online? You can get your credit file by logging onto Annualcreditreport.com. Once there, select “Get Your Free Credit Report” and fill out the subsequent form. You will be prompted for basic information, as well as a few questions regarding your accounts. After you have typed in the security code, you will be prompted to select a credit bureau to retrieve your credit report.

How do I get my reports by mail? Also on Annualcreditreport.com is the option to request your reports by mail. Simply click on the link titled Getting Your Credit Files By Mail” and print out the form. Aside from basic information, you will need a copy of your license and a utility bill in order to fill out the form. While completing the form, make sure to use a black or blue pen. Once finished, send the form to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P. O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

How do I request my free reports by phone? Another option is to call the Annual Credit Report at 1-877-322-8228 and follow the automated voice prompts to order your reports. You can request one report, or all three. When you call, the automated system will ask you for personal information like your social security number, date of birth, full name, and your current and previous address. These actions are taken to prevent identity theft. Once your request is in, your reports will be mailed out to you within 15 days.

Are there other ways of obtaining my report for free? According to federal law, you are entitled to an additional free report if you experience the following:

1. If you are denied credit, insurance, or employment. (You then must request for your credit report within 60 days from being denied. Write to the credit bureaus and let them know that you were denied credit and that you would like a free credit report.)

2. You’re unemployed and plan to search for a job within 60 days.

3. If you are on welfare, or a victim of identity theft.

4. If the bank or a credit card company charges you higher rates or fees, and their decision was based on your report.

5. If there was a negative change in your credit limit or the collection agency tells you that they have reported adverse information on your credit file.

As you can see there are many ways to get your credit report for free, but you must take action to make it happen.