Every consumer in the US is entitled to a free credit report from three consumer credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, once a year as per the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). However, viewing your credit report once a year may prove insufficient. To receive and monitor your credit profile more often, you need to buy credit reports for the rest of the year.
What You Need to Buy a Credit Report
All you need to buy a credit report is:
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Basic credit and financial information
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To understand everything related to credit reporting
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First hand information from a financial advisor or a professional in that area
Before buying a credit report from a company, you must verify the credentials of the firm. You must look for a reputed credit reporting company that offers services at affordable prices. A good credit company is one that guarantees you a regular flow of reliable credit reports to keep you abreast of your credit information.
How to Buy a Credit Report
Steps to buy a credit report from Experian:
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Go to Equifax.com.
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Click the "Get Started" button.
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Specify your name, residential address and email address and click the "Continue" button.
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Enter your social security number (SSN), date of birth and telephone number. Create a username and password. Choose a password that has both alphabets and numbers so that it cannot be identified easily. This will prevent your sensitive information from being compromised.
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Type a secret question and answer for security purposes.
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Click the "I Accept" button under Terms of Use and then click the "Continue" button.
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Confirm your identity by answering two security questions regarding your current credit cards or mortgage. Click the "Continue" button.
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Choose the payment type and enter your credit card payment information. Click the "Submit Order" button.
You will receive an email confirmation of your order. You have the option to print your credit report immediately or you can log in later for the report.