Where to obtain a free copy of your credit report?

Under the Free File Disclosure Rule of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act or Fact Act, each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies such as Equifax, Experian, and Transunion is required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months, if you ask for it.

Beginning September 1, 2005, free credit reports from the three main credit report agencies will be accessible to all Americans, regardless of where they live.

The three nationwide consumer reporting companies are using one website, one toll-free telephone number, and one mailing address for consumers to order their free annual report.

There are three ways to obtain your free credit report:

What Information Do I have to Provide to Get My Free Report?

You need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address. To maintain the security of your file, each nationwide consumer reporting company may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources.

ARE THERE OTHER SITUATIONS WHERE I MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REPORT?

Under federal law, you're entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment, and you ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting company. You're also entitled to one free report a year if you're unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you're on welfar; or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identify theft. Otherwise, any of the three consumer reporting companies may charge you up to $9.50 for another copy of your report within a 12-month period.

TO BUY A COPY OF YOUR REPORT, CONTACT: