How Do I Get A Credit Report Online

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It’s a good habit to annually check your credit report, whether or not you’re planning on applying for new credit. If you are planning a major purchase, it’s also a good idea to find out what your credit score is and if there are any nasty surprises lurking on your credit report. If you check it out before you fill out the loan paperwork, you’ll have a chance to clear up any black marks on your credit or dispute any erroneous charges that might be there. These days, it is super-simple to get your credit report online. Not only is it convenient, but if you need it only once a year, it’s free. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and follow the instructions for a free report from the three major reporting agencies, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. The Fair Trade Reporting Act guarantees that you have access to your credit report from each of the majors, one time a year.

There’s no need to pay for the service. It’s the law that you are entitled to a free report. There’s even a disclaimer at the ...
... top of pay web sites, which would charge a fee for this free service. So while the Fair Trade Reporting site, AnnualCreditReport.com might not offer EVERY report you might wish for free, there are pay sites that can get even more comprehensive results for you. Just be sure to get the free ones first to make sure they don’t already include the exact information you might be looking for, so you’re not needlessly throwing your money away. Each of the crediting reporting agencies will also allow you a telephone option or mail option, if you’re not comfortable with sending your information online.

You can use AnnualCreditReport.com to get one, two or all three reports, or go to each of the reporting agencies individually. Each will offer the same thing: three different options for how to receive your credit report. The online option allows you to answer a few simple questions, then print the results out on your home or work computer. It’s fast and easy and free. The individual sites offer the same service, so it’s easier just to ask for all three when you’re on the government website. Many independent sites offer links to the free government site, but many are just in it so you’ll get the free report through them, then use their products or services afterwards. You can report sites that bait and switch you into offering a free credit report, but only after you pay for other services; it’s against the law.

When you do get your report, look for accounts you might not recognize or inaccurate information, such as amounts owed being too high, or not credited as having been paid. You’ll want to take note of any suspicious activity that you did not initiate or authorize, as you might have been the victim of identity theft and you’ll need to rectify that situation immediately.