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One of the most important things that you can do to maintain an accurate credit score and report is to request a copy of it on a regular basis. Credit reports are usually defined as a document that summarizes your financial reliability and many lenders and other entities regularly report your financial performance to credit reporting agencies during the year. By requesting a copy of your credit report every year or even every six months, you can determine if all the information in the report is accurate, and if not be proactive to change it. Here are tips on how to get a copy of your credit report.
There's Not Just One Credit Report
While most consumers talk about getting “a” credit report, there are actually three different credit reporting agencies that each create their own credit report. While there are usually quite similar to the information included in the report, sometimes, they can have conflicting information and inaccuracies. This is why it is important to request a report from each individual credit bureau. The three major credit bureaus include; Experian, Equifax and Trans Union.
It's Easy to Request a Credit Report
For consumers that are interested in what their credit report says about their financial history, you will be happy to know that each of these three major credit bureaus are required by law to provide you with a free credit report once a year. If you would like a report more than once each year, you will have to pay a small fee. You can easily request a free credit report by visiting the major 3 credit bureaus web site or calling them directly to request a report.
Why Request a Report
It is extremely important to request your credit report each year to determine if any inaccuracies are present. Mistakes on your credit report can result in the rejection of a mortgage or car loan. If you are planning on making a large purchase it is always a good idea to view your credit report before making your purchase.
You should also request a report if you believe you are a victim of identity theft. One way to reduce the damage done by identity theft is to contact the three major credit bureaus and request that any new loans and credit cards that are applied for should first seek proof of identity. Another way identity theft can be curtailed, is when you receive your credit report, you can easily look at it to determine if loans or credit cards have been taken out fraudulently.
If you're going to apply for a credit card, a mortgage, a loan or any other source of finance, one thing any potential lender will check is your credit report. This will tell them about any previous unpaid debts or legal judgments against you, and help them assess whether you are creditworthy or not.
There are three three nationwide consumer reporting companies in the US: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. All keep different information about you, and all or any of them may be referred to by a potential lender.
If you are thinking of applying for credit, therefore - and especially if you have ever been turned down in the past - it is important to find out what these companies have on their records about you. And because all three companies are independent, you need to check on all of them.
The good news for consumers is that as from September 1, 2005, everyone in the US is entitled to a free copy of their credit report from each of the consumer reporting companies once a year.
To get free copies of your credit report, you should not apply to the three companies directly. There is only one website that is authorized to give out free credit reports, and this is at www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also get your free credit report via telephone by calling 877-322-8228.
If you find a mistake on your credit report - for example, a debt that isn't yours or a disputed amount - you'll need to fill out the form that comes with the report, or follow the instructions on the explanatory sheet. Upon receipt of a challenge, a credit reporting agency must investigate the claim, usually within 30 days.
As long as a charge is in dispute, it will still show up on your report. Long-time lenders say it's common for reports to have errors. Some estimate that as many as 80 per cent of all credit reports contain some kind of misinformation. So it really is important to take advantage of this free opportunity to check your credit report, even if you're not currently planning any finance applications.