Many of us have poor credit without even knowing it. Knowing our credit scores however is extremely important to our financial safety. They are free and available from the three major consumer reporting agencies once every twelve months.
The Fair Credit Reporting Agency (FCRA) requires three major companies provide people with their credit reports for free: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They promote accuracy and privacy of information, and are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The three companies have a central website where the credit report can be ordered for free once a year, annualcreditreport.com. There is also a phone number (1-877-322-8228) and a mailing address where you can order your annual report.
Your annual credit report includes information such as where you live, how you pay your bills, whether you’ve been arrested, or whether you’ve filed for bankruptcy. There are many imposter websites that claim to give you your report for free, though they charge for subscriptions or trial offers. That however does not happen under these three agencies. After reporting your name, address, and social security number, you should receive your report within 15 days, or immediately if done online.
If there are inaccuracies in your report, you have the right to report what you think is inaccurate. Tell the consumer reporting agency in writing what you think is inaccurate, and then they will investigate the claim within 30 days. If the dispute results in a change, the agency must send you the changes along with a free copy of your credit report.