Free National Credit Report

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 25 August 2009

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The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), under US federal law, entitles every citizen to receive a free national credit report. The FCRA has laid down a mandate that governs the collection, distribution and usage of customer credit information.

 

Fair Credit Reporting Act and Free National Credit Report

The FCRA operates with assistance from various Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs).The three major credit bureaus or CRAs in the US are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The FCRA states that these bureaus are liable to distribute one copy of their credit report for free to each individual, once every twelve months. Moreover, the individuals are allowed to acquire all three credit reports together as well as separately.

Free National Credit Report Rejection: Legal Outcomes

In case of rejection of a free national credit report and violation of the FCRA, an individual has the right to take legal action under Section 602 of the Act. This includes the following:

  • Filing a suit in a federal or state court to enforce the Act

  • Claiming statutory damages up to a value of $1000.

  • Claiming financial compensation for punitive damages and the attorney fees.

Free National Credit Report and Consumer Rights

 

The most important consumer right with regard to a free national credit report is the right to obtain complete information about your credit report. The bureaus are legally bound to follow a ‘full disclosure’ policy and present an unbiased view of your credit status. Other important rights entitled to you are:

·        Right to dispute errors: In case you identify inaccurate or incomplete information in your credit report, you can file a dispute with the credit bureau. The agencies are legally bound to investigate the complaint and update the report if the claims are justified. Ideally, these consumer reporting agencies rectify errors within 30 days.

·        Right to consent to access to employers: A credit bureau cannot furnish a copy of your free national credit report to your present employer or a potential employer without obtaining a written consent from you for the same.

Most importantly, a credit bureau may disclose details of your free national credit report only to parties with a genuine financial interest in your credit report. This includes potential creditors, insurers, employers and landlords.


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