# How can I get a copy of my credit report?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-report/174714>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 12, 2003, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-report/174714 "2003-05-12T15:57:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-report/174714/1 "2003-05-12T15:57:34Z")

</div>

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?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-report/174714/2 "2003-05-12T16:03:45Z")

</div>

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.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-report/174714/3 "2003-05-12T16:25:13Z")

</div>

Under some circumstances, you are entitled to a free credit report. From the [Transunion website](http://www.transunion.com/Personal/CreditReportandScoreFees.jsp):

> [@](#):
>
> \*\*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.  
> \*\*

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-report/174714/4 "2003-05-12T16:49:11Z")

</div>

[www.equifax.com](http://www.equifax.com)  
[www.experian.com](http://www.experian.com)  
[www.transunion.com](http://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.