Q: How do I order my free report?
A: You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order your report from each of the companies one at a time. The law allows you to order one free copy of your report from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies every 12 months.
You can get a free copy of credit report from our home page www.consumercounseling.org or click on the banner at the top of this page.
Q: Are there any other situations where I might be eligible for a free report?
A: 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 welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identity theft. Otherwise, a consumer reporting company may charge you up to $10.50 for another copy of your report within a 12-month period.
To buy a copy of your report, contact:
Equifax:1-800-685-1111; equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742; experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800; transunion.com
Under state law, consumers in Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont already have free access to their credit reports.
Q: What information do I need to provide to get my free copy of credit report?
A: 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.
Q: Why do I want a free copy of my credit report?
A: Your credit report has information that affects whether you can get a loan — and how much you will have to pay to borrow money.
You want a free copy of your credit report to: make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job, and/or help guard against identity theft.
Inaccurate information on your credit report could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.
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