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:

Equifax Credit Information Services Inc.
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
1.800.685.1111
www.equifax.com

Experian (formerly TRW)
1.888.EXPERIAN (1.888.397.3742)
www.experian.com

TransUnion Corp.
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