Getting a Free Credit Report

Because your credit is one of your most important assets, taking proactive measures to ensure your credit rating is being reported fairly and accurately can help you in the long-run.

In December 2003, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) was signed into law due to the number of fraud and identity theft cases mounting across the United States. This new act was brought forth to allow consumers the opportunity to check and verify their credit history—to help safeguard them from becoming fraud or identity theft victims.

What exactly is the FACT Act?

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act allows consumers the opportunity to get one free copy of their credit report every year from each of the three national credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.

To access your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call 877-322-8228, or mail a request form to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

How will I benefit from this?

By requesting your free annual credit report, you can help safeguard yourself by verifying the accuracy of your personal information, including your name, social security number, address, and creditors contained in your credit report.

How do I find out more?

You can learn more about the FACT Act by visiting the Experian, TransUnion or Equifax websites or by visiting the Equifax Consumers Union online.

Go to our Identity Theft & Fraud section to learn more about how you can further protect yourself.