Where to Get Free Credit Reports?
Depending on whether or not you meet the criteria for receiving free credit reports, the actual application process is easy, and relatively trouble free. These days, you are able to request a copy of your credit report either through the post, over the phone (although you'll still need to post things away), or of course online.
Firstly - let's start with determining who is eligible to receive free credit reports. Under US and State law, the following people don’t have to pay to see a copy of their credit information:
- Those who live in a State where credit reports must be provided to consumers for free
- Anyone who is unemployed and will be looking for work in the next 60 days
- Anyone receiving a government welfare package
- If you believe your credit report has errors or fraudulent transactions
You should keep these criteria in mind, because anytime you fit in to them in the future, you will be entitled to free credit reports.
Requesting a Credit Report Online
These days, the most popular way of requesting a copy of your credit report is to do so through the internet. Online credit score requests have been refined to the point where it is now possible to receive your comprehensive credit report in a matter of days - rather than waiting the full 20 working days as you would be required to do with a postal version.
The hardest thing here of course is finding the right website - however there are plenty of advisory services out there to recommend the best one. Additionally, review websites often have customer feedback indicating which online credit report processors are the best.
Free Credit Reports through the Mail
Another more traditional way of receiving free credit reports (assuming you meet the criteria for one) is to wait for it to come through the mail. To get this process started, you will need to call your credit reporting agency and request an application form be sent to you. Alternatively, you can download one through the credit reporting agency website and print it off.
You will need to complete this form and send it back to the credit reporting agency with the following information:
- 2 forms of ID
- Proof of your address
- Any other items required of you by the credit reporting agency
Following the receipt of all of these details, your credit reporting agency will process the applications for free credit reports - and will then dispatch the physical report to you via the post. This takes up to 20 working days, and therefore should only be used when viewing a copy of your credit score and credit report is not urgent.