How To Get a Free Copy of Your Credit Report
Posted: July 11 2019
You can get a free copy of your credit report weekly from each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
The official website for obtaining your free credit reports is annualcreditreport.com.
- This site is authorized by federal law and operated by the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Beware of scams! Many websites claim to offer free credit reports but may charge fees.
Why is it Important to Check Your Credit Reports Regularly?
Regularly reviewing your free credit reports can help you
- identify inaccuracies in your report to prevent potential issues with lenders or landlord;
- detect fraudulent activity early to mitigate identity fraud; and
- generally monitor your credit health.
How Often Should You Check Your Credit Reports?
While you can check each of your credit reports weekly for free, you don't have to check them all at once.
You might choose to check all three at the same time for a complete view of your credit before you apply for a loan or rental, for example.
Or, you could stagger your reports to monitor for changes throughout the year.
When Should You Check Your Credit Report?
Timing matters! If you are planning to apply for credit, such as a car loan or mortgage, or to rent an apartment, review your credit report at least 1-2 months in advance.
Why? This gives you time to correct errors or address negative information before a lender or landlord checks your credit.
Tip: If you find incorrect information, dispute it with the credit bureau(s) as soon as possible.