3 Free Credit Reports For You

If you were to tell someone that they can have a certain item for free, more than likely their response would be, "what's the catch?" In the case of credit reports there is no catch, you can now get a free copy of this report through the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnions, and Experian. Let's take a look at the law and how you can benefit from it.

An amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires the three national credit reporting agencies to provide one free copy of your credit report to you annually. Beginning on December 1, 2004 and culminating on September 1, 2005, the Federal Trade Commission is requiring that these agencies offer reports on a rolling, phase in basis. In other words, on December 1, 2004, if you live in certain western states you became eligible at that time and every three months later additional states were added. By September 1, 2005, residents of all states are eligible.

Fortunately for consumers, you need not contact the three reporting agencies separately to obtain your free credit report. You can order right online at www.annualcreditreport.com; or by calling 877-322-8228; or by completing the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mailing it:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

The form is available online where you can print it out and mail it in: www.ftc.gov/credit.

If you need copies more often, you can contact the three reporting agencies and request copies. You will pay for this service.

To buy a copy of your report, contact:

Equifax
800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

Experian
888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
www.experian.com

Trans Union
800-916-8800
www.transunion.com

There are also private companies who will obtain all three copies of your credit report for you as well. There is a fee involved, but you may find their services to be less of a hassle than contacting the three companies separately.

So, how can you benefit from the law? By ordering copies of your reports from the companies on a four month rotating basis. Most consumers will find this plan to be sufficient and it will allow for you to compare/contrast the reports of each agency. Of course, if you already suspect fraud you will want to order all three reports at once and notify each agency to place a "fraud alert" in your credit file.

All in all, the new law is a big win for consumers. Take advantage of this "windfall" as soon as you become eligible to do so.

Matthew Keegan -- The Article Writer -- writes on a variety of business, financial, and personal interest topics. You can view additional samples of his work at http://www.thearticlewriter.com

---

How To Eliminate Credit Card Debt

There is almost nothing more troublesome than having too much... Read More

Useful Tips On Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud

Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds... Read More

Credit Cards - The Top 3 Things You Need To Know

Today there are so many different credit cards available, student... Read More

ChexSystems: Alternative Options for People Whove Been Checking Accounts

Individual banks elect to become members of ChexSystems, and to... Read More

Fight Credit Card Fraud with Common Sense

By now, you have undoubtedly heard of credit card fraud,... Read More

Building Your Credit History

Today, credit is an indispensable part of our lives. In... Read More

Credit Reports: Find out why you have been refused Credit.

You may already have 2 or more credit cards in... Read More

Credit Score: The Brightest Feather In Your Financial Cap

Credit scores are the most important aspect that determines your... Read More

Important Things to Know About Divorce and Credit

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

Is it Safe to Use Online Car Finance?

Online car finance is convenient. You can apply over the... Read More

5 Ways To Prevent Credit Card Late Fees

Paying a credit card late fee is the same as... Read More

Two Things You Need To Know About Prepaid Debit Cards

According to the September 2004 issue of the Nilson Report,... Read More

Know Your Credit Card Rights

When you apply for a credit card, the application that... Read More

Credit Report ? Watch Out for Parking Tickets

The economic downturn of the last five years has affected... Read More

All You Wanted to Know of Bad Credit

Martin Henderson is in a fix these days. Because of... Read More

SuperCharged Secret 2, Credit Card Utopia

INTEREST BEWARE, THERE'S SAFETY IN NUMBERS!Note: The following is part... Read More

Fixing A Credit Report

Fixing a credit report starts with seeing what's on it.... Read More

Are you paying higher interest on your credit cards than you think?

Many credit card holders sign up for a credit account... Read More

Credit Card Security Advice

Which of the following is the biggest threat to your... Read More

How To Get a Low Interest Credit Card

Consumers often have the first credit card that they ever... Read More

Do You Want to Get a New Credit Card at a Great Rate?

1) Do your homework. Applying for and getting approved for... Read More

Credit Card Is Adding The Silver Lining To Your Pocket

In the new millennium plastic money or credit cards has... Read More

What You Need to Know About Credit Reports

You hear people talk about credit reports all the time... Read More

Repair Your Credit - The Right Way!

How to Repair a Bad Credit Rating?The Right Way!If you... Read More

Identity Theft - Dont Think You Are Immune

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

How To Save Money On Credit Cards

Some credit cards offer a cash advance option. But how... Read More

FREE Credit Report Offer - Careful, It Might Carry Hidden Charges

FREE credit checks or free credit reports. What are they... Read More

7 Compelling Reasons Why A Prepaid Debit Card May Be Just The Financial Tool You Need

Prepaid debit cards are great financial tools and may be... Read More

The Things That UK Lenders Like to See on Your Credit File, (and? What They Don?t Like to See!)

Lenders are quite fussy about what they like to see... Read More

How To Boost Your Credit Score

Years ago your credit score was a big secret, known... Read More

Free Credit Report ? A Website Typo Could Be Costly

In 2003, Congress passed the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions... Read More

What Should I Do If I?ve Become a Victim of Identity Theft?

Identity thieves take advantage of everyday opportunities to discover your... Read More

All About Balance Transfers

What is a balance transfer?A balance transfer can be explained... Read More