The Easy Way To Gain Access To Your Free Online Credit Report

When you apply for credit, those lending you the money want to know if you are going to pay them back. One way they decide if you are a good risk is to see how you've dealt with other people's money. They find this information in your credit report.

Your credit is reported to three main credit bureaus and these bureaus then rate you. If you are planning to apply for credit, it would seem that knowing what is being said about you would be a good idea. This way, you can take care of any problems and be aware of them before you begin.

It's Easy

Getting your hands on your credit report is easy. All you need to do is call the number of the credit bureau and follow their directions:

EquifaxOptionsP.O. Box 740123Atlanta, GA 30374-0123http://www.equifax.com

ExperianConsumer Opt OutP.O. Box 919Allen, TX 75013http://www.experian.com

Trans UnionName Removal OptionP.O. Box 97328Jackson, MS 39288-7328http://www.transunion.com

However, it is even easier to do online. Simply go to the listed website and get started. Here are a few things you will need:

# Full name - this includes middle, maiden, Jr., Sr., and III, etc

# Social Security number - you must have one in order to do this online

# Driver's license information - your DL number plus state

# Current address and your address within the last five years - if you have had more than one in the last five years, you will need to have each of them

# Date of birth

# Signature - for online requests, you will have to type your name and follow their instructions

# Home telephone number

# Employer - if you are employed

# Credit Card or Debit Card to pay the fee - it is usually $8 to $10

Coming Free to Your Area Soon

Beginning in December 2004, you will be able to get a free yearly copy of your credit report. Then getting your credit report will be even easier. Instead of having to go to the three major bureaus, you will be able to go to a centralized source with a toll free number or a website.

Schedule for Phasing In Access to Free Credit Reports:

December 1, 2004: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

March 1, 2005: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

June 1, 2005: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

September 1, 2005: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and all U.S. territories.

Getting your credit report online is easy and getting easier all the time. It is in your best interest to check out your credit reports yearly so that you can check for errors, and recognize problems quickly enough to correct them.

Wesley Atkins is the owner of http://www.credit-cards-advisor.com- which aims to get you fitted with the best credit cards to suit your situation. With numerous credit card articles and easy online credit card applications you will never choose the wrong credit card again.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Credit Information:

Related Articles

Warning: Free Credit Report Imposter Websites Springing Up on the Web
A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report, upon request, once every 12 months.Access to the free credit reports has been phased in beginning last December in the West and will finally be nationwide by 1 September.
Ways to Look Good without Selling Your Soul to the Credit Card Sharks
1. Buy clothes at thrift stores.
Are you paying higher interest on your credit cards than you think?
Many credit card holders sign up for a credit account with an 8.9% interest rate and then later realize that their interest rate has been bumped to 27.
How to Improve Your Credit Rating
So you got into debt, had problems but you got yourself back on your feet through hard work and sacrifice and how are you rewarded? A Bad Credit Rating.You would be forgiven for thinking thats not fair and why did you bother sorting yourself out if your hands are still tied when it comes to applying for anything financial? There are ways to improve your credit rating and get back on track completely.
Useful Tips When Choosing Credit Cards
Chances are you have received your share of "pre-approved" credit card offers in the mail, some with low introductory rates and other perks. Many of these solicitations urge you to accept "before the offer expires.
10 Simple Steps to Manage Your Credit
By far the greatest invention the banks have ever come up with came out in the 20th century. Also the new field of Credit Management was born with the invention of the credit card.
Credit Report Secrets: Do You Know What They Reveal?
If you've ever applied for a credit card or loan, you've probably hadyour credit report reviewed by the lender. Your credit report has a huge impact on your financial future, so it's well worth your time to be sure that you understand what your credit report says about you.
Compare Credit Card Offers and Reward Yourself
Here's a simple system on how to pay zero interest and get tons of free stuff. Almost everyone uses credit cards.
Bankruptcy vs. Credit Counseling: What Should I Do?
Credit Counseling and bankruptcy are both ways to relieve the stress of debt. However, they are very different and it is important to understand both before making a decision as to which is best for you.
Collection Agencies: What Do They Do?
Collection agencies are businesses that collect past-due bills and accounts receivable for other persons or businesses in exchange for a fee. Collection agencies charge for their services one of three ways:1) A flat fee.
What Happens When Your Credit Is Damaged? Do You Have Recourse?
The good thing about bad credit is that you can fix it. If you start now, over time, your bad credit can turn into good credit, and you could qualify for the loans you want at the rates you want.
How to Avoid Credit Card Late Fees
Everyone hates late fees and being late will cost you dearly these days. For some credit cards today, if you are late, you will have to shell out as much as $40 each time.
Its Your Credit - Take Care of It!
Thanks to the Fair and Accurate Credit Act, American consumers can receive a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus-Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You can order your free credit report by visiting www.
Useful Tips on Using Credit Cards
Here are some useful tips on using credit cards. Whether you shop online, by telephone or by mail, a credit card can make buying many things much easier; but when you use a credit card, it's important to keep track of your spending.
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Your Credit Report
Your credit report is a very powerful report that essential controls what you can and cannot do in your life. Unfortunately many people aren't aware of what a credit report actually is and what information is contained on the report.
The Top 5 Secrets to Managing Your Credit Cards-So They Won't Manage You
You've probably never heard of Frank X. McNamara, but he revolutionized the way you shop on a daily basis.
A Cure for an Ailing Credit
Credit has become a much-used word, thanks to the various connotations that it is being used in. Transactions in which the payment is deferred to the near future are termed as credit transactions.
Maximizing Credit Card Rewards
In their quest to get you to sign up for their credit card, banks and financial institutions are coming up with more and higher incentives to entice you. Frequent flyer miles gave way to gas miles which opened the door for cash rebates and reward points to be used at 'our fine member merchants'.
Credit Score: The Brightest Feather In Your Financial Cap
Credit scores are the most important aspect that determines your financial future. Carrying a good credit score is an asset and can pave your future towards greener pastures.
First Major Regulatory and Legislative Victory of 2005 for Creditors and Consumers
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collectors are not allowed to disclose a consumers past due debt to anyone other than the debtor and in some cases a spouse. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act would have required collectors to identify the registered name of their business in any pre-recorded messages to consumers or debtors.