Credit Report

When You Can Get a Free Credit Report

A credit report is an important document highlighting your ability to manage your finances and denotes your credibility. Earlier, you did not have access to your credit report. However, with the implementation of Fair Credit Reporting Act or FCRA, consumers now enjoy the right to know their credit reports. Getting access to free instant credit report was never this easy.

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act or FACTA 2003, gives right to the US citizens to get a free copy of their credit report once in 12 months. You can get the credit report from any of the 3 credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion or Experian. The free copy of your credit report can be obtained either by calling toll free number, sending a mail, or over the World Wide Web.

However, your free copy of the credit report will not have your free credit score. You can buy it from any one of the credit bureaus for a very nominal amount.

The process of obtaining the free credit report is very simple. You are required to know your credit account numbers. You may have to furnish some personal information for verification. Once this is done, you will get your free instant credit report in no time.

You are also entitled to get a free copy of your credit report under the following circumstances-

1. In case you have been refused credit, you can request for a credit report within 60 days from the time you receive the denial notice.

2. If you have been denied employment, you can make a request for a free credit report.

3. If you have been a victim of identity theft you have the right to ask for a credit report.

4. In case you come across any irrelevant information that has been recorded in the credit report, you can dispute it by applying for a free instant credit report.

5. In the event you are unemployed and you intend to join work within 60 days, you can request for a free copy of your credit report.

6. A free copy of your credit report can be obtained if you are on any welfare program.

It is your right to get a free credit report once every year. Utilize this opportunity to remove inaccurate information if any and better your chances of renting an apartment of your choice, getting well placed employment, getting credit or availing the best insurance deals.