Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Take Advantage of Your Right to a Free Annual Credit Report

Credit is an essential part of life in today's world. Unless you have a lot of money that you need credit to purchase an apartment, buy a car, or any other large purchase. Therefore, it is important that you know and understand what is on your credit report. Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to an annual free credit report.

Q: How can I get my free annual credit report?

There are three major credit reporting agencies Trans Union, Experian and Equifax. Sometimes a credit reporting agency have different records for you than another, it is important for you to them all. The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to have your credit report all 3 offices.

For your free report you will find annualcreditreport.com or call them AT1-877-322-8228. You can also request written by the Annual Credit Report Request Form and send it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. This is the only authorized source for free annual credit report issued by the FTC.

What happens if I get my free annual credit report, but I want another one?

There are several other situations in which entitlement to a free copy of your credit report, if a lender has denied you the credit you are entitled to a copy of your credit report as well as the reason for the denial. It could also not for insurance, employment or housing on your credit card which you are entitled to a free credit report. Make sure to save a copy of your credit report in all these cases within 60 days after receipt of the notice or the denial or actions.

Q: What information do I have to my credit report?

You must include your name, address, social security number, and date of birth. If you have your current address for less than 2 years, then you should also back your address.

Q: What about the other companies, the credit reports?

There are many companies that "free" credit reports, but you warned, because they are not truly free. The "free" offer is actually a teaser for another service, and it always comes with strings attached. The offer for a "free" copy of your credit report is coupled with a trial of another for their services, which are usually credit-monitoring. If you do not cancel during the trial, it will give you the monthly fee for usage.

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