Monday

How to receive all 3 credit reports free (no credit card required)

There are constantly ads telling us to get our free credit reports and we quickly discover most of them are not really free. You can avoid that problem by using this information.

Make sure it's free!

Chances are that you have seen advertisements on television, on the internet or heard on the radio about free credit reports. Chances are that these advertisements are offering you the potential to obtain your credit report free by selling you some type of service and offering the credit report as a "bonus".

While this method of advertising free credit reports is generally legitimate, there is no need for any consumer to pay for or purchase services that provide them with a free credit report. The Consumer Protection Laws offer all consumers the ability to obtain their credit reports free of charge under two specific circumstances. These are:

  • Annual credit report - Every consumer is entitled to receive one (1) free annual credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies on an annual basis;
  • Rejection from any company - For consumers who have been turned down for a loan, credit card or been otherwise informed their credit was reviewed and they were rejected for a job, apartment or other services are entitled to a free copy of their credit reports.

Getting started

Before you request your free credit report, you will be required to have some basic information available. Personal information includes name (plus maiden name where applicable), current address (and prior address if less than 2 years), telephone number and employer name.

Requesting via Internet

To request your free annual credit report online, consumers should go to the website that was set up by the credit reporting agencies called "Annual Credit Report". This is the only legitimate site for claiming your free annual report.

Individuals with visual impairments may request their free annual credit reports in Braille, Large Print or Audio Format by telephone, toll free, 877-322-8228

Application process

All users will first have to select their state from the drop down box on the main page. Once this data is submitted, you will be taken to a second screen which appears in the manner you see on the side image.


Credit reports may be ordered by mail

Make sure you're dealing directly with the credit agency before disclosing personal information
Don't pay for "free" trials of services offering free credit reports. All consumers are entitled to one free credit report annually. Some states allow them more frequently You may request from one credit bureau at a time and use the other two bureaus later in the year allowing you to request one report quarterly

What you'll need

In order to request your free credit report you will need the following information:
Internet Connection (optional) - you can do this by mail

  • Name
  • Address
  • Social Security number
  • Name of last employer

Requesting by mail

If you prefer to get your credit report by mail or request it by mail, you can contact the credit reporting agencies by mail. Include your name, social security number and address on all requests. Make sure you tell them you are requesting your free annual report.
Important note: If you have been denied credit, you may also request a free credit report. Simply include a copy of the denial with your request.

TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

Experian
P.O. Box 9530
Allen, TX 75013

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374

Each agency must also notify you of what address to use to correct inaccurate entries.
Always use the right links!

Annual Credit Report.com - Home Page
Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to give you a free credit report every 12 months if you ask for it.

Get My Free Credit Report | Federal Trade Commission
You're entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies.

Free Credit Report & Free Credit Score. No Credit Card Required.
Instantly receive your free credit score and free credit report online. Free credit tools to track and optimize your credit score. No credit card needed & no hidden fees.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net