Credit reports provide a complete listing of your personal credit history. They include information on every credit account that you've maintained over the years -- opened and closed. Creditors reviewing your report can see how many accounts you presently hold, the balances and credit limits. But oftentimes, mistakes on credit reports can take points off your credit score. To ensure the best rating possible, it's imperative to check your own report at least once a year.
Annual Credit Report
The Federal Reserve says that Annual Credit Report is the only company authorized to give each consumer a free copy of their credit reports each year. This company does not charge a fee or ask for credit card information. With this said, consumers should beware of other companies that promise to provide a free report. Oftentimes, free reports are subject and dependent on enrollment in a program such as credit report monitoring or credit counseling, and consumers may have to pay a monthly enrollment fee that requires a credit card number upon applying. These companies bill consumers a monthly fee for services, and in turn, consumers can access their credit report.
Review Reports Online
Annual Credit Report has an official website that allows you to request a copy from one or all three credit bureaus (see Resource section). Requesting reports is simple, and Annual Credit Report will ask for personal information to verify your identity. This includes your full name, address and Social Security number. To stop another person from pulling your credit file, Annual Credit Report will also ask a few detailed questions about the contents of your credit report in the form of a multiple-choice test. Choosing the correct answers gives you instant assess to your online report.
Telephone Inquiries
The Internet gives you quick access to your personal credit history. But if you prefer speaking with a representative from Annual Credit Report directly, you can request your free credit reports by dialing their toll-free customer service number: 877-322-8228. As with the online request forms, Annual Credit Report will verify your personal identity before issuing free reports.
Mail-in Request
A third and final way to acquire your free credit report without supplying credit card information involves downloading a credit report request form from Annual Credit Report's website, completing the form and mailing the form to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Importance of Knowing Credit History
Requesting a report from each of the bureaus at least once a year is key to keeping your credit score in good shape. Identity theft can result in numerous fraudulent accounts in your name and a reduced credit score, and creditor mistakes can limit your finance options. Don't hesitate to dispute errors on your report. Each report includes the address of each bureau to dispute a claim, and if you're viewing your report online, there's a link to dispute a credit report mistake.
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