How to Get Your Reports
There are companies that would be delighted to sell you access to your credit
reports for a nice chunk of change, often $99 a year. But you can save most
of that money by contacting each credit bureau directly.
In late 2003, the U.S. Congress passed the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions
Act (FACT Act). It gives consumers the right to receive a free annual credit
report on request—and it also contains a number of provisions that were
designed to improve the accuracy of credit reports.
If you’re on the West Coast, you will be able to receive a free credit
report from all three major credit bureaus beginning in December 2004. The
program will roll out across the country, finishing on the East Coast in September
2005.
In the interim, you still may qualify for a free copy of your credit report.
Under earlier legislation, you are entitled to one free copy of your report
during any 12-month period if you have been:
- denied credit for any reason;
- a victim of fraud;
- unemployed and you plan to look for a job within 60 days; or
- on welfare.
Whatever your reason, the best way to get your hands on your credit history
is to contact each credit bureau directly. You can reach them at:
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
1.800.685.1111
www.equifax.com
1.888.EXPERIAN (1.888.397.3742)
www.experian.com
760 W. Sproul Rd.
Springfield, PA 19064-0390
1.800.916.8800
www.transunion.com
Sometimes, only one or two of the credit bureaus will have a report on you.
But, to be sure where you stand, it’s in your best interest to contact
all three. You can access your credit report on-line at each bureau’s
Internet site, or have it mailed to you.
Next: Different
Kinds of Reports |
