Best Free Credit Reports
Since your credit report plays such an important role in your ability to be approved for financing and make other key life purchases, it’s important to ensure that the information in your report is accurate.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there is only one trusted provider that can issue you a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus — AnnualCreditReport.com. Here’s what you need to know about collecting that information.
- The information on your credit report can impact your ability to take out a loan, get housing and even secure a new job, so it’s important to ensure its accuracy.
- AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally approved place to get a copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus.
- Your credit report doesn’t contain credit score information, but free, credit-monitoring services can help you with that.
Best free credit report services
When you need to get a copy of your credit report, there’s only one place to go:
AnnualCreditReport.com
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report.
AnnualCreditReport.com allows you to access each of these reports weekly for free in one centralized location, and is the only site authorized by federal law to do so.
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only site authorized to offer you free copies of your credit report. However, sometimes scammers will advertise similar services or claim to be a reporting agency in an effort to steal your identity.
If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the FTC.
How to get your free credit reports
There are three ways to access your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com:
Online: If you choose to go this route, you’ll be prompted to fill out the online request form, select which credit bureaus you want to request a report from, and answer some financial questions to help verify your identity. If you request multiple reports, you’ll be asked to verify your identity with each credit bureau.
By phone: You can order your credit report over the phone by calling 1-877-322-8228. With this method, you’ll be asked to provide identifying information, such as your home address and phone number.
By mail: If you’d prefer to complete your request by mail, you can download a PDF copy of the credit report request form and mail it to the following address:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Best credit-monitoring services
While a credit report can be very useful in helping you spot errors in your credit or pick up on identity theft, it won’t provide you with your credit score. If you want to keep a close eye on fluctuations in your score, you’ll need to sign up for a credit-monitoring service.
Here’s where to find one:
Your bank or credit card issuer
Many banks and credit card issuers provide built-in tools that let you monitor your credit score for free. For a lot of people, the best option is going to be your own bank because you can track your credit score with the app or website you already use to track your money.
While this is by no means a complete list, here are a few of the options available:
Even if you don’t do business with any of these leading lenders, it’s worth asking your financial institution if they offer a similar service.
LendingTree Spring
LendingTree Spring is another free credit-monitoring service that anyone can join, regardless of where they do their banking. However, this tool has some unique features that help set it apart from the rest.
In addition to showing you your credit score information, LendingTree Spring will also provide you with personalized recommendations for improvement. Since these recommendations are presented as a step-by-step guide, you’ll always know exactly what you need to do next to grow your score, making this a great option for people who want more in-depth information on managing their score.
Frequently asked questions
A credit report is a summary of your credit history. It includes identifying information, like your name and address, as well as information about how you handle credit. It details how you pay your bills and reports whether you’ve recently filed for bankruptcy.
However, it doesn’t include any information about your credit score.
Credit reports often represent your borrowing power. Lenders use the information in your report to help them decide whether to loan you money or extend you credit. It also helps determine what interest rate you’ll be offered.
However, other professionals may use this information in their decision-making processes as well. The information contained in your credit report can also impact your ability to rent a home, buy insurance and even get a job.
Since the information in your credit report can affect so many areas of your life, it’s a good idea to check it at least once a year for accuracy.
However, you’ll also want to check it if:
- You’re planning to apply for a loan or a credit card
- You’re shopping around for insurance
- You’re applying for a new job
- You’re searching for new rental housing
- You suspect you’ve become a victim of identity theft
Learn more about your credit score
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