Free Credit Report - Really

2005 marks the year that consumers will be able to get a free credit report each year. The roll out of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act signed into law by President Bush actually began last December 1. If you didn't know about it, don't worry. You haven't missed the boat. Not everyone is eligible to get their credit report. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is allowing the credit bureau's to implement the program piecemeal so as not to overload the new credit report system. Millions of consumers are expected to take advantage of the free reports.

Last December, consumers from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming were able to take advantage of the free credit report. Next March, the Midwest will have access to free credit reports. The South has to wait till June, and the East must wait until September 2005.

After your eligible, you can request you free credit report from a web site, by calling a toll free number, or by requesting it in writing. The web site address is AnnualCreditReport.com. This website was created by the credit bureaus. The toll free number is (877)-322-8228, which is also (877)-FTC-HELP if that's easier to remember. The address to write to is Annual Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA., 30348-5281. You will not be asked to sign up for a trial subscription for a credit monitoring service after requesting your credit report.

Your not limited to one free credit report a year. You can request three - one from each of the credit bureaus: Experían (http://www.experian.com), Equifax Inc. (http://www.equifax.com), and Trans Union LLC (http://www.tuc.com). It's a good idea to request a credit report from one of the credit bureau's every four months to monitor the activity related to your credit. You do not have to request three credit reports at the same time.

Errors on credit reports can cost you plenty of money. You need to make sure your credit report is accurate before submitting a mortgage application, buying a car on credit, or even requesting a credit card. Take advantage of the free credit reports to protect your most important financial asset - your credit.

George Burks of http://www.mybiweeklymortgagepayment.com has offered a biweekly mortgage payment plan with no enrollment fee since 1999. His interest in financial topic is varied. Visit http://www.mybiweeklymortgagepayment.com to see our growing financial library. Ask about our reprint policy

---

Warning: Free Credit Report Imposter Websites Springing Up on the Web

A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act... Read More

3 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score by 50 Points In Less Than 30 Days

In Less Than 30 Days. "What can you do to... Read More

How To Start A Second SEPERATE Credit File!

Your personal credit file is separated from those with the... Read More

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is when someone uses, without permission, your personal... Read More

Have You Checked Your Permanent Record Lately?

As a young student I feared getting bad grades because... Read More

Good Credit is King, When Qualifying for Mortgage Programs

If you want to purchase a new home or refinance... Read More

3 Free Credit Reports For You

If you were to tell someone that they can have... Read More

0% Credit Cards

These days, credit cards in the UK are competing with... Read More

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Your Credit Report

Your credit report is a very powerful report that essential... Read More

Free Credit Report ? Watch Out for Scams

Many people may still not be aware of an amendment... Read More

Fair Credit Reporting Act: What You Should Know About It?

The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is designated to... Read More

Identity Theft Exploding: Here?s How You Can Avoid Becoming A Victim

Americans are more concerned about identity theft than unemployment or... Read More

Credit Cards: Pros and Cons

Sure, there are a lot of problems with credit cards,... Read More

Four Tips How Homeowners Can Rebuild Their Life After a Foreclosure

Let's face it, if you are facing the possibilities of... Read More

Maximizing Credit Card Rewards

In their quest to get you to sign up for... Read More

Bailiffs & Council Tax - Knowing What To Do

This article is about bailiffs who may call trying to... Read More

Annual Credit Report and Free Annual Credit Report

Getting an annual credit report review has been the advice... Read More

Credit Establishment 101

There will come a day when you need credit. You... Read More

Addressing Bad Credit Card Debt

Spending HabitsSo you've just got your credit card. The first... Read More

Credit Reporting: How Does It Work?

In order to determine a consumer's credit worthiness, creditors and... Read More

Learning the Disturbing Facts about Credit Card Debt

When I received my first credit card in the mail... Read More

Negotiating Rates with Your Credit Card Company

Ok, let's face it, everybody hates high credit card rates,... Read More

Credit Report ? How Your Credit Score is Determined

Most consumers are aware that they have something known as... Read More

Identity Theft - Dont Think You Are Immune

As identity theft becomes more prevalent, the need to regularly... Read More

Important Things to Know About Divorce and Credit

Joint debts remain joint debts.Both spouses signed a legally binding... Read More

Simplifying Your Search For a New Credit Card

Today, selecting the proper credit card can be a bit... Read More

What Can Happen to You as a Victim of Identity Theft, Facts & Figure

Is identity theft really that serious? Thousands of people every... Read More

Credit Counseling Basics

Credit counseling is an option you might want to consider... Read More

Recognizing the Signs that You Might Need Credit Counseling

Most families in America today have a credit card; some... Read More

Practical Suggestions for Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft

It's no surprise that thousands of Americans are victimized by... Read More

What is the Check 21 Act?

Check 21 is the common name for the Check Clearing... Read More

Big Brother Knows Whats in Your Credit Report - How About You?

Whether you are aware of it or not, credit bureaus... Read More

Dont Fall for Credit Repair Scams

We've all seen the ads on television or in magazines,... Read More