How Can I Check My Credit Report?

Many consumers have questions about credit reports. They wonder: What is a credit rating, and how can I check my credit, to make sure it is right?

Consumers are sometimes in for a nasty surprise when they apply for a loan, fill out an employment application, or try to buy a new car, only to find that their credit rating is poor. Avoiding such surprises can be as simple as contacting credit bureaus once a year and saying, “I want to check my credit!”

Here are some other questions consumers have, and the tips to guide you as you look into your own credit rating, and how to improve your credit rating.

“How do I contact a credit bureau?”
There are three primary credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Any or all may have you listed, depending who their customers are. Contact them through their Websites, or by writing: bureaus either in writing or via the internet with the following information: TransUnion, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA. 19022,800-888-4213, www.transunion.com; Equifax, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA. 30374, 877-784-2528 , www.equifax.com; Experian, P.O. Box 2104, Allen, TX. 75013, 888-397-3742, www.experian.com.

“Can I get a free copy of my credit report?”
Individual bureaus provide annual reports to customers who tell them: I want to check my credit report. Or, you can visit annualcreditreport.com to obtain a copy.

“Should I get a copy of my FICO score?”
Yes, because your score will help to determine not only whether you qualify for credit, but also what interest rate you will pay. The better your score, the better your chance of obtaining a loan with a low interest rate.


“How can I improve my credit score?”
Pay your bills and make loan payments on time, and avoid carrying a balance on your credit cards. These are the activities that affect credit the most.

“I did a check on my credit and there were errors on the report.”
Contact the credit bureau right away with any errors or omissions you see. Once they get your inquiry, they must respond in 30 days or the debt may be expunged. Asking for corrections won’t cost you anything, and it may save you a lot of money and headaches.

“Are credit repair companies a good idea?”
Credit repair companies sometimes make claims that cannot be met. A consumer may say, “I want to check my credit report and have it corrected,” and be charged hundreds of dollars for a service they could easily do for themselves.