The US Federal Law states that every individual is entitled to receive one free credit report each from the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can approach these bureaus individually to get copies of your credit report. However, acquiring online credit reports through the annual free credit report program is the best and most convenient alternative.
Annual Free Credit Report Program (.com): Application Procedure
To get your credit report(s) online from one or all the bureaus, log into www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the only site that is authorized to give out free credit reports.
Once you are directed to this site, follow these steps:
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Select your relevant state from the drop-down menu in the segment labeled ‘Start Here.’
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Click on the ‘Request Report’ icon.
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Furnish your personal information in the new page including present and past accommodation (if in the new accommodation for less than two years) details.
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Click on the ‘Continue’ button at the bottom of the page.
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Select the credit report bureau(s) on the next page, from which you seek to acquire your credit report. Click on ‘Next’ to proceed further.
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The company(s) that you selected may request you to provide detailed financial information to identify and verify you. Keep your financial records prepared to speed up the process.
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Click on ‘Accept’ to agree to their terms and conditions. After this, you will be able to review as well as take prints of your credit report.
Annual Free Credit Report Program (.com): Credit Report Access
The credit bureaus provide your credit report information to the following parties:
- Creditors: who are taking into consideration advancing loans, or those who have already granted you credit.
- Employers: who are considering you for hiring, reassignment, promotion or retention.
- Insurers: who are either reviewing terms of your policy or considering you for a new policy.
- Government agencies: that may be reviewing your financial position for taxation purposes.
- Law agencies: If a court order or a subpoena is prepared for the same.
These bureaus also provide a copy of your credit report to parties having a legitimate business interest in it, such as a prospective landlord. You could also put in a written request to these bureaus to issue your report to various third parties.