Monitor your credit by ordering one free credit report each year from all three national credit reporting agencies. Get familiar with your credit report and credit score before you apply for a loan so you are aware of your borrowing power.
Why Do I Want a Copy of My Credit Report?
Your credit report has information that affects whether you can get a loan — and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. You want a copy of your credit report to:
Make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.
Help guard against identity theft. That’s when someone uses your personal information — like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number — to commit fraud. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.
To Request a Free Credit Report, You Have Three Options
Request Your Credit Report Online
Visit annualcreditreport.com to request your credit report anytime.
Request Your Credit Report by Phone
You will go through a simple verification process over the phone. Your reports will be mailed to you. Call 1- 877-FACTACT (toll free).
Request Your Credit Report by Mail
Fill out the request form and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Prevent Identity Theft
Monitoring and periodically reviewing your credit report is an effective tool in fighting identity theft.
There are three credit reporting agencies:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
Understand Your Credit Score
Download this booklet to understand your FICO score.