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Look Online for your FreeCreditReports

In 2004 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) made it possible for every consumer to access one free credit report from the three main reporting agencies each year. In the past, a person could check out their reports, but there was a fee required. The requirement is that the three agencies -- Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax - provide one free report annually. The only problem with these credit reports is that they don't include your credit score.

Each agency that issues a credit report uses its own method of computing a credit score. Currently it's pretty complicated. Some industry experts are talking about setting a universal standard, but so far we don't know how exactly they calculate your score or "credit rating". In any event the importance of seeing a credit score on credit reports has to do with whether or not you're planning to make a significant purchase. For instance, if you're hoping to qualify for a home mortgage, the higher your credit score is the better your chances for getting low interest rates. Each of these companies allows you to purchase your credit score when you ask for your free credit reports.

It's really quite important for you to take a look at your credit reports each year. One reason is that identity theft is running rampant and you want to make sure that no one is using yours to make purchases. The other reason is that you need to periodically check to see that the information on your credit report is accurate. More often than you may think, companies make errors. They may show a payment as late, when in fact you made it on time. They may misspell your name or still show an old address. It sometimes takes months to correct mistakes, so if you're making a major purchase, be sure to review your credit report in advance.

You'll want to use caution when accessing a credit report. There is one central online site that is safe to use and will link you to each agency. It is AnnualCreditReport.com. There are many others, but not all of them are trustworthy. When you go to their site, you can get all three free credit reports at one time each year, or you can request one from each agency every four months to make sure they're being properly updated. If you're doing random checks, this is probably the most sensible. If you are going to seek a mortgage or buy a car or other expensive item, you'll probably want to review the creditreports all at once. You can also write or call with your request.

By completing the application on this page, you're eligible for a free credit report today.

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Free Credit Reports,   3-in-1 Credit Report,   Consumer Credit Service,   Credit Reports Online
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