Can I Obtain a Copy of My Credit Report?

You can obtain a copy of your credit report by mail, by telephone, or online. There is usually a small charge to receive a copy of your credit report. However, if you have recently been denied credit, insurance or employment due to your credit rating, or if you are the victim of identity theft, you may obtain a free copy of your report. You may also obtain one free report a year if you are unemployed but plan to look for work in the next 60 days, or if you are on welfare. You can contact the three credit bureaus at the following addresses:

EquifaxP.O. Box 740241Atlanta, Georgia 30374(800) 685-1111For fraud alerts: (888) 766-0008Website

ExperianP.O. Box 2104Allen, Texas 75013(888) 397-3742Website

TransUnionP.O. Box 1000Chester, Pennsylvania 19022(800) 916-8800For fraud alerts: (800) 680-7289 P.O. Box 6790Fullerton, CA 92834Website

What Information Is Contained In My Credit Report?

Once you receive a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus, you will discover that it contains detailed information concerning your financial history. Your credit report should contain your current residential address as well as previous addresses.

The report will show information culled from public records, such as judgments obtained against you in court. It will also include any bankruptcies you may have filed, or any unpaid tax liens. In some states this could also include late child support payments.

The report will also show any open accounts including mortgages, credit cards, and other lines of credit, including the credit limit or loan amount, the balance currently due, and any cosigners on the account. Any positive information concerning the account (for instance, the designation "Pays as agreed") will remain on your credit report indefinitely. Any negative information, such as a late payment, will remain for up to seven years. Late payments are specified to be 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day late payments. If an account has been sent to a collection company or if the debt was otherwise written off due to lack of payment, this information will also appear on your credit report.

The credit report will also show the name of every company that has pulled your credit recently, such as mortgage companies, credit card companies, or car dealerships.