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Obtain a Credit Report

A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history, including information about your borrowing and repayment habits. It is important to regularly review your credit report to ensure that the information it contains is accurate and up-to-date.

There are three major credit bureaus in the United States: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of these bureaus every 12 months. This was changed to once a week during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the CARES act that was passed in 2020, however this expires in March 2023.

Here are the steps you can follow to obtain your credit report:

  1. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, the official website for obtaining free credit reports.
  2. Click on the link to request your credit report.
  3. Select the credit bureau from which you want to request your credit report (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion).
  4. Follow the prompts to enter your personal information, including your name, address, social security number, and date of birth.
  5. Answer any security questions or verify your identity as required by the credit bureau.
  6. Review your credit report for accuracy and completeness.

It’s important to note that while AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized to provide free credit reports, there are other websites that claim to offer free credit reports but may actually charge a fee. Be sure to use the official website to avoid any potential scams.

Once you have obtained your credit report, it’s a good idea to review it carefully and look for any errors or discrepancies. If you find any mistakes, you can dispute them with the credit bureau by submitting a request in writing. The credit bureau is required to investigate your dispute and provide a response within 30 days. If they find that the information is incorrect, they will correct it in your credit report.

By regularly reviewing your credit report and making sure the information it contains is accurate, you can take control of your credit and improve your credit score. This can lead to better borrowing terms and interest rates on loans, credit cards, and other financial products.

 

This article was last updated on March 15, 2023