If you know where to look, getting an annual credit report shouldn’t cost you a dime. Back in the 70s the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which made it so that you can request free yearly credit reports from the 3 national consumer reporting companies on a yearly basis. New amendments have been made since then, but the basic Act remains the same. You can learn more about it at www [ dot ] ftc [ dot ] gov.

Given the emphasis put on credit reports, score and histories nowadays, it’s a good thing the government bureau has regulated it in such a way as to allow a consumer to get a free anual credit report no matter where in the U.S. we live. Federal law requires that the three big credit reporting companies (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) make our credit reports available to us, whether via telephone service, by filling out a form on a website, or through an online program with no fee associated.

Why Should I Request A Free Annual Credit Report?

Your personal credit report and score is a major consideration when it comes to buying a car, a home, opening a credit card or even applying for a new job. Most places will contact the credit bureaus in order to perform a credit check to decide whether or not to loan you the money, give you the credit card, hire you for the job, etc. In the United States, a lot of emphasis is put on having good credit, and while it may not always be right, it is how many businesses characterize whether you’re a “responsible” person, or just too risky to deal with.

Can I View My Annual Credit Reports?

While there’s nowhere on the web you can go to see your credit report automatically, there are several websites out there where you join a program or simply order your credit report. Annual Credit Report [dot] com is one site you can visit for more information. Also, any sites with a .org attached to the address can usually be a good resource. Simply read all the fine print before you join any program, as some may lock you in and charge you monthly for a membership.

Any co. that doesn’t offer a telephone number for contact may not be the most reputable one to use, so do your research and simply use common sense. As you may have heard, Free Credit Report [dot] com is another site with a ton of information on the subject.

Credit Reports - Credit reports explained by example.

If you’re scratching your head wondering how to obtain a credit report on your own personal credit history, you’re in luck. Federal law requires the big three national consumer reporting companies to furnish a free annual credit report to consumers yearly. The government (in the form of the FTC bureau) put this law into place with the passing of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) by 1970, but many amendments have been made since then.

Since there are 3 different credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian (formerly TRW), and TransUnion) you can get triple the free credit reports annually! There are probably over 100 services online offering a free copy of your credit report, rating and score, so it’s tough to figure out just which to go with. Not all the offers on line are free. Some require a membership, while others simply offer a free trial to allow you to request your credit report that year. This type of service may give you an instant free credit report, but charge for your credit scores and other services.

Choosing the Right Free Credit Reports Program

It can be tough to choose the right agency to go to for information, but with the hundreds of services available, you can always find at least one website you trust totally. The FTC [dot] gov, or www [dot] Annual Credit Report [dot] com is usually a good place to go for more information. They also include a phone number, email and address in case you feel like checking up on them, or you have questions.

Why Get A Free Annual Credit Report?

Seeing as how everybody from potential employers, a car dealership, a mortgage company and even a credit card company will require a credit check, you absolutely better be up to speed on what your credit says about you. Keeping a healthy credit score could mean the difference between affording a home or having to rent for the rest of your life. Good credit is required for housing, cars, even some jobs! Just about any major purchase or decision you’ll make in your life can be affected by your credit history.

Monitoring your credit score and report shouldn’t be just a one time thing, it needs to be done once a year. You can order your credit report 3 times a year actually, since you can order a separate one from each of the credit reporting bureaus. It’s especially important to read up on different states’ credit policies, as every state may differ somewhat within their credit laws.

Get A Free Online Credit Report Regularly

Regularly monitoring your credit report is the best way to secure yourself against fraud, as well as make sure you dispute any suspicious activity in a timely manner. It’s especially crucial if you wish to start your own business, since without good credit there’s no way you’ll be able to get a decent business loan, if you can get one at all. No bank in their right mind will offer an affordable business loan to someone with horrible credit.

When it comes down to it, signing up for a credit monitoring program to view your credit reports regularly is really the way to go, in my opinion. If you want to be absolutely sure of your credit, it’s important to view it regularly and not let anything slip through the cracks. With so much riding on your credit report and history nowadays, the smartest thing you can do is manage your credit well.