Free Annual Credit Report Website F.A.Q.’s

Many people are wondering about the Free Annual Credit Report website. What is this all about? Is this a gimmick like the rest of them? Are they really going to let me have the free credit report is what you may wonder.

Overview

Annual Credit Report.com was started by the Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion credit bureaus. This website is the only government-authorized website where free credit reports (a.k.a. records, files, financial history, personal and financial files) are issued.

Why was Annual Credit Report.com started?

This was a collaborated achievement that began after the Federal Trade Commission received complaint after complaint about deceptive ‘free credit report’ offers. This happened as 2003 legislation gave way to making it required that people should receive a free copy of this documentation once every 12 months.

Often the ‘free credit report’ people would get is if they paid for additional services or signed up for a free trial. The Annual Credit Report.com was started to stop all this.

How do I request a copy my personal financial history?

This file is available instantly online when you go to Annual Credit Report.com. You can also request it by phone or by mail. However, when you request it by phone (1-877-322-8228) or by mail it can take longer.

Do I have to order my records from all three bureaus at once (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion)?

You can request your files from all three bureaus at once or you can request them one at a time.  You are still entitled to one per year from each either way.

Is it better to request all my reports right away or all at once from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax?

It is recommended actually that you request them separately. This allows you to check your financial and personal records as well as payment history three times a year.

Why should I request this information?

Your entire spending and payment history as well as all your information related to any money you have borrowed is included in your credit report.

This is the information that is used to let lenders, landlords, car dealers, realtors, and merchants of your creditworthiness or lack thereof. It also is used to help protect you from identity theft resulting from unauthorized transactions you may not even be aware exist on your report.

What should I look for on my credit report?

Look for any record of any accounts opened in your name or any purchases made that you do not recognize. Furthermore, look for any sign that someone has used your information to sign up for utilities or phone service or Internet connection.

Compare 3 free credit reports and take your pick at freecreditreportsinstantly.org