Totally Free Credit Report

Consumers should never have to pay when they can get an absolutely free credit report three times a year or more often. Acting on behalf of credit consumers, the United States government has passed much legislation regarding credit accounts. One thing Congress demanded was for the big three credit reporting agencies (CRAs) to provide free access to reports. CRAs set up an Internet website for consumers where they could go and look at their credit reports at no charge.

The name of the designated website is www.AnnualCreditReport.com. It was created jointly by Experian, Trans Union and Equifax, the so-called “big three” CRAs. On this website, consumers are allowed to register and enter some important identifying information. All information on this website is very secure and highly protected by encryption, so it cannot be stolen in transmission.

Once that is completed, the consumer will be able to select one of the three CRA websites to go to in order to view and/or print out their credit report. They can return and do this for the other two CRAs also. If you compare the credit reports, there may be small differences. Since they share information, some of the information will be identical. They are independent of each other and have different systems for recording and evaluating credit information, including how they calculate credit scores.

A credit score is different than a credit history record. The credit record lists all accounts, present and past that a consumer has ever had in the last ten years. It shows public records like bankruptcy or liens. A bankruptcy will remain on the credit record for ten years; others drop off the record after seven years.
The credit score is just a calculation of potential credit risk based on past actions and credit history.

The credit score is not usually free. There are some companies who offer a free credit score if the consumer buys something from them, like monthly credit report monitoring. Knowing the credit score is not as important as keeping a watchful eye on the credit reports periodically.

You can get an absolutely free credit report at this website. If you are denied credit, have been refused living quarters or denied employment you also are entitled to a free look at your credit report. Again, to get that free look, always go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com. It is secure, approved and set up by the credit agencies who maintain your credit history.

You may be able to view or get your totally free credit report if you are applying for a loan or home mortgage. Those lenders must pull up your credit record and score to evaluate whether or not you get a loan. Bad risks are denied, medium risks pay higher interest rates, and excellent credit risks get the lowest rates. This is another reason to monitor your credit reports. Make sure there is nothing wrong or amiss with them. If there is something in error, you must write the CRA to request an investigation.