Getting a Free Copy of Your Credit Report

While you can check each of your credit reports weekly for free, it's not required to check them all at the same time (you still can, if you want).

If you're planning to apply for a car/home loan or rent an apartment, ordering your credit report at the right time can be very important. You’ll want to order your report at least one to two months before applying or renting. At those important times, you don’t want to be surprised to find that your credit report has negative information (especially if it isn’t correct).

You might be able to get additional free credit reports if

• you've been denied credit (you must request a copy within 60 days)
• you're unemployed and intend to apply for employment in the next 60 days 
• you receive public assistance benefits
• you've reason to believe your file contains inaccurate information due to fraud or identity theft 
• your report caused you to not get a job
• your report has been revised based upon an investigation you requested

Also, several states have laws that give their residents the ability to get additional free credit reports. These states are 

• Colorado
• Georgia
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• Vermont

The three credit bureaus have a central website (annualcreditreport.com) to provide you with your free credit reports. While many companies offer credit reports, this is the official website directed by federal law.