How to Access the Credit Bureaus

In the United States, the three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each company keeps records on people's financial transactions such as credit cards and loans. There may come a time when you need to access the credit bureaus: to see your report, to correct an error, or to notify them of a family member's death. Fortunately, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) enables consumers who prove their identity to access the credit bureaus for a variety of possible needs.

Instructions

1

Write down why you need to access the credit bureaus. If you are just trying to view a copy of your credit report, move to Step 2. If your contact relates to trying to dispute a negative credit entry or informing the agency of a family death or identity theft, jot a few notes before proceeding.

2

Decide which method you want to use to get in touch with each credit reporting agency. Most issues can be handled online, over the telephone or through the mail. A few transactions, such as death notification or informing the credit bureau of possible identity theft, should be handled exclusively by mail. No matter which method you select, you will give personal information such as your full name, current address, date of birth, Social Security number and nature of your request. If you are doing a death notification, have this information for the decedent as well as a photocopy of the death certificate. If you are a victim of identity theft, copy any supporting documents, such as a police report or court case file.

3

Getting a credit report can be done for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. If you already obtained a free credit report, then visit the Equifax, Experian and TransUnion websites. You will need a credit or debit card to purchase copies of your report, which costs $8 to $13 in 2009. Fill out the forms with your personal information as requested to view your credit report. If you do not have a credit or debit card or wish to request reports by phone, access the credit bureaus at the following telephone numbers: Equifax, (800) 685-1111; Experian, (888) 397-3742; and TransUnion, (800) 888-4213. You can dispute negative credit entries (as long as they are not really yours or otherwise incorrect) for free online or over the telephone.

4

Write a brief letter explaining the issue if you want to dispute an inaccurate account entry by mail, inform the credit bureaus of a family member's death or report an identity theft. If you want to write a letter to Experian, first call them at (888) 397-3742 to get the appropriate address for your state. You may contact Equifax and TransUnion by mail at the following addresses:

Equifax Credit Information Services Inc.
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374

TransUnion
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022

Always use a traceable mailing method and keep at least one copy of any correspondence and/or documents for your records.

5

Wait for a letter of response if you made a credit dispute or other notification beyond accessing a credit report. This can take up to 45 days. Keep any letters or updated credit report copies for your records. If your request is denied, be sure to write another letter explaining the situation. You may also want to add a statement to your credit report if your need to access the credit bureaus related to identity theft and/or incorrect accounts.