How to Get a Free Credit Report and FICA Score

Your credit report and FICA score contain crucial information about your credit worthiness. The information in these reports can impact your ability to get credit; rent an apartment or buy a home; and get a job, among other things. Everyone is entitled to a free credit report once a year. People are also entitled to free credit reports if they have been turned down for credit or a job because of the information listed on their credit reports. Credit scores, however, are not free under most circumstances.

Instructions

1

Visit the official Annual Credit Report website or call 877-322-8228 for your free annual credit report (see Resources). This includes credit reports from all three agencies Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. You can also download the form from the Federal Trade Commission website or request it over the phone (see Resources). If you send in a paper request, the mailing address is P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348.

2

Apply for a free copy of your credit report if you are turned down for a loan, a job, or have other adverse actions taken against you because of information in the report. Contact the reporting agency with the negative information. The reporting agencies' websites have information how to get a free report online, by mail or by phone (see Resources). The financial regulation bill approved in July 2010 requires the company that took adverse action and the reporting company to provide you a free FICO score.

3

Request a copy of your adverse credit report and score from the lender or employer who refused you. Many will give it to you.