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FTC.GOV for more information. You have the right to a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
The ad below is not for a free credit report.
About
Credit Reports and Credit History:
Knowing what is on your credit report can be a powerful tool. It is easy to see
what could cause poor credit scores. Negative information like late payment
comments or documentation about payments that are not even paid could lead to
bad credit reports.
If
this has already happened and credit needs to be fixed, consider reviewing card
offers that can be used as a tool to rebuild credit.
Monitoring
credit reports is one way to help get personal credit at its best, by setting
goals to get better history. Having good credit reports helps when you want to
apply for an important loan like a home loan or to buy a new auto. Credit scores can mean the
difference in getting loans with high or low interest rates.
Don't
let incorrect or a stranger's information on your credit report cause you bad
credit, correct wrong information on reports. Mistakes happen on reports from
time to time, fix information that is not yours or that is false on your
reports. For a free
Credit reports contain
personal information that should be kept current and be correct. It will give a
pretty clear picture about how you pay bills, if you have been sued or arrested,
filed bankruptcy, and will give your address. Credit agencies will sell the
information in reports to creditors, insurers, employers, or other businesses.
Lenders and other business may be interested in reviewing it, in an effort to
evaluate a person's application for credit, insurance, employment, or for some
other reason.
Make sure your reports are correct. It is
important when applying for loans or credit cards, as they can have an affect on
the interest rates, and getting approved or rejected. People like to get credit
with the best rates, bad credit can be costly. Checking reports before applying
for credit can give you an idea about how good the terms might be for a loan or
credit card offer. If employers want to see your report, you may want to know
ahead of time just what they will see on your report.
Each of the three major reporting companies,
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion allow one free copy when requested once each
year. Visit their website for details about getting your free credit report.
They will have a toll-free number, a mailing address, and other information
needed for requesting a report. There is the choice of ordering all three at one
time, or it can be good to request one every 3 or 4 months during the year.
