Free Credit Rating
Though everyone is entitled to one free credit report each year, it will not be automatically send to you. To access all three reports at once, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call (877) 322-8228. If you choose to get a report from one of these bureaus every three months you will be able to stay on top of your credit activity throughout the year for free. To do this you will need to mail or fax two pieces of identification to one or all of the credit bureaus.
How To Contact the Credit Bureaus
Claiming your free credit report is easy. Send your written request to:
- Equifax Inc. P.O. Box 105496 Atlanta, GA 30348
- Experian P.O. Box 9600 Allen, TX 75013
- Trans Union LLC Consumer Disclosure Center P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022
Other Things That Entitle You To a Free Credit Report
Even if you have cashed in on all your free copies of your credit report that the government has allowed, you still have options. You can claim a free credit report if you have been turned down for a loan, if an insurance policy or job based on your credit rating score or if you are getting unemployment or any kind of public assistance.
How does It Work?
If you choose to request your free credit report online, you will be asked a series of short questions pertaining to your credit history. These are personal and specialized questions that only you should be able to answer.
If you choose to claim your free credit report through the mail, you will need to send a written letter of request along with two photocopies of personal identification. Since they are unable to give any information over the phone, the report will be mailed to your home address.
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