How can I get a copy of my credit report?

[BrainGlutton]

I found several threads in this forum dealing with aspects of the credit-reporting system, but none that addresses this question head-on: How do I get a copy of my credit report? I know there are several different reporting agencies; which one should I approach? Do I have to submit a request in writing? Do I have to pay a fee?

[Dr_Paprika]

Equifax is a common company used in Canada. If there is a fee, it is something like $7.95, and this is often waived. Try looking for it in your local phone book – I think it might be used in both Canada and the US.

[Fear_Itself]

Under some circumstances, you are entitled to a free credit report. From the Transunion website:

**If you have been denied or were otherwise notified of an adverse action related to credit, employment, insurance or a government license or other government granted benefit within the last 60 days and a TransUnion credit report was used in the decision process, you are entitled to a free copy of your TransUnion Personal Credit Report. If you are a resident of California, you are entitled to receive a statement of your rights under California Law.

You are also entitled to a free copy of your TransUnion Personal Credit Report once during any 12 month period if you certify to TransUnion that you are either: (1) unemployed and intend to apply for employment within 60 days; (2) a recipient of public welfare assistance; or (3) have reason to believe that your information on file at TransUnion contains inaccurate information due to fraud.

You may be asked to provide documentation of any one of these circumstances.
**

[Otto]

www.equifax.com
www.experian.com
www.transunion.com

These are the “big three.” Each will explain how to request your report, prices and so on. IMHO Equifax is fairly useless as a repository of information. Everything they had for me was hopelessly outdated. TransUnion was the most complete and correct but getting the report was a hassle (once I had it things were fine). No experience with Experian…heh.