Access to Free Credit Reports

If you are looking to acquire funding from a bank or investor, your credit report is one of the first things that will be reviewed. Before you make a financial request to a bank or investor, you should have your credit reviewed and have a recent copy of your consumer credit report on hand.

Importance of Consumer Credit Reports

Your credit report influences the decision on whether or not you are approved for a loan, insurance, home rental, a car purchase and even employment. Consumer reporting companies sell your information to creditors, insurers, employers and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment or renting an apartment or home.

The information in a credit report includes where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether or not you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Tax liabilities can also show up on your credit report. Therefore, it’s important that you know what is on your credit report and verify that all the information is accurate. In addition, reviewing your credit report on a regular basis will help guard against identity theft.

Review Your Credit Report - FREE

Wouldn’t it be nice to review your credit report for free - with no clubs to join, and no trial memberships that you have to cancel in 30 days? According to the Federal Trade Commission for the Consumer, you don't have to pay for your credit report!

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies -Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, if you request it, every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA.

How to Get a Free Credit Report

Every person should review their credit report and history on a regular basis and particularly before applying for business financing. With your consumer credit report in hand, you will be aware of any potential credit issues that may arise in the application process. You will also have the opportunity to correct any items in the reporting that are inaccurate or erroneous.

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have set up a central website, a toll-free telephone number and a mailing address.

To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. You can also print it from http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/. Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228, and Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.