Can I Get My Credit Report More Than Once in a Year?

Each consumer has the right to receive one free credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus every year. You can check your credit report with a particular bureau more than once each year, but you will have to pay a fee. Regardless, multiple checks are a smart way to protect yourself from identity theft and other fraudulent activity that can harm your credit rating.

Annual Credit Report

Free credit reports are available from the Annual Credit Report website. This authorized agency gives consumers quick access to all three of their personal credit reports. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Annual Credit Report is the only website authorized to issue free reports to consumers. Those who take advantage of this free service can make one free request of each of the three bureaus in a 12-month period. In effect, this gives you access to three free credit reports each year.

Ways to Acquire a Credit Report

Annual Credit Report operates online to give consumers instant access to their credit histories. But this isn't the only way to acquire a free credit report. Consumers may submit a written request after downloading the credit report request form (see Resources) and mailing it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-528. A third option is calling the agency at 877-322-8228 to request a report.

Other Methods to Acquire a Report

The fact that Annual Credit Report only accepts one free credit report request a year doesn't mean consumers may check their reports only once per year. The three credit reporting bureaus -- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax -- provide credit reports to consumers for a fee. Consumers can check their own reports without it affecting their credit scores. Knowing the contents of your report is essential when buying a house or automobile. Visit the website of each bureau and complete a request for a credit report.

Consumer Warning

Be leery of any company or agency that claims to issue free credit reports. Annual Credit Report is the only federally authorized agency for free annual reports. Other companies or agencies may issue a free report only after you pay to enroll in a credit monitoring service.