How to Get Free Credit Reports

Another way to monitor your credit is by viewing your credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and Trans Union). Now you can get free credit reports through a centralized system, one report from each credit bureau, every 12 months.  The credit bureaus are each required to provide you with this free credit report, regardless of whether you have been a victim of id theft or if you have been denied credit.  You should check your credit reports for errors on existing credit accounts as well as indications of fraudulent activity, like new accounts that you didn't initiate, which indicate that someone else is taking out credit in your name.  In addition, it's essential to ensure that your credit report is free of errors, because companies use it to evaluate your applications for insurance, credit, and housing.

There are three ways to order your free annual credit reports:

• By the Internet - www.annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized source to get a free annual credit report according to federal law.

• By Phone - call 1-877-322-8228.

• By Mail - fill out a request form and mail it to:

                  Annual Credit Report Request Service
                  P.O. Box 105281
                  Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Remember that you don't have to order credit reports from all three providers at once. You can do so to compare all three (not every creditor reports to the same bureaus), or, you can request one from each every few months throughout the year. If you see activity that you do not recognize in your credit report, make sure to contact your credit reporting agency, as well as your information provider.

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.