How To Get Your Credit Report

The first step to repairing your credit is finding out what is being reported that is causing you problems. That means requesting a copy of your credit report. To do this:

1. Write a letter to the credit reporting agencies requesting a copy of your credit file. You’re entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, like 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.

* Each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — are required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. Also, see Annual Credt Report or Fair Trade Commission

2. Once you receive your credit report, read it over and circle any inaccurcies, then write a dispute letter detailing what is inaccurate, outdated, or obsolete. It takes 30-60 days to make corrections.

3. Information on the Three Major Credit Bureaus:

Equifax - www.equifax.com
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 or write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285
And write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Hearing impaired call 1-800-255-0056 and ask the operator to call the Auto Disclosure Line at 1-800-685-1111 to request a copy of your report.
Main Number: 404-885-8000

Experian (Formerly TRW) - www.experian.com
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write:
P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013
To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and write:
P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013
TDD: 1-800-972-0322

Trans Union - www.transunion.com
To order your report, call: 800-888-4213 or write:
P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289 and write:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
TDD: 1-877-553-7803
1-800-916-8800
1-800-680-7289

Next Post: Copy of Dispute Letter and Reading Your credit report.