skip to main content

Household Finances

Free Credit Report

16 years ago

I was wondering if any of the online "Free Credit Report" offers are legitimate and if so, which ones? I'm reluctant to give the personal info needed to get the report if this is a scam. If these aren't on the up and up how would I go about getting my report?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

myfask
16 years ago
mare
The one we use is
www.annualcreditreport.com

This is also the one many of the experts recommend
The credit reports are free, if you want your scores it is a few dollars.
If you don't know or haven't check your score in the last 2 years it might be a good idea to spend the few dollars.

I know a few folks that said "I pay my bills on time so I have a good score" imagine their surprise when it was low.

knowing your score can help if you are looking for a loan you can tell the lender "based on this score what would the rate be?"
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
16 years ago
below is a link to some great info too. It also includes the link to get the reports.

Here is a link that might be useful: Federal Trade Commission-Facts for Consumers
Related Discussions
Credit Score
Q
Comments (12)
I just might suit you fine... but many lenders ONLY go by your FICO scare. So that CB has my FICO score...yet just chose to give me that 'other' score' when I requested my score? Hmmmm...it is about time I pull a free credit report...and will see if the 'score' they offer to send me (for a fee) in indeed called a FICO b4 I submit my request. If it isn't a FICO I'll come back and report just what it was called...well in fact I'll come back and report either way.
...See More
Credit Report Cleanup Questions.
Q
Comments (3)
Start with a sheet of paper, or photo copy the report and using pencils correct each error and then send it back. Is it the same on all the credit agencies? You need to get copies from each agency, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian and compare each. I would clarify the mistakes, but I don't know if you can remove addresses. One of the companies you can call, and this might help. If you never worked for a company, you can put in a disbute. On the credit report you received, it should tell you what to do to change/disbute the information. As to the married question, talk to your tax person or a lawyer about that. I too am in the process of clarifing some information on my reports. Good luck and you can get help by just typing in credit score information.
...See More
Credit Report - who is CSC?
Q
Comments (8)
I would guess that CSC is a company that is set up to sell you something. Think about it.....no matter who orders credit reports...a bank, a credit card company, a finance company or whomever, they have to pay anywhere from $3 to $12 for each report from each of the 3 major companies. Why would any company go to the expense of paying thousands of dollars for these reports and then give them away "free". There are no free reports. Generally you can get "free" reports only if you sign up for some other service that is anything but free. So, if you haven't been contacted by CSC to sell you something yet, you will be before you get any "free" reports. Mark
...See More
myFICO.com confused
Q
Comments (3)
Don't give your personal information and pay a third-party site when you can get your credit score directly from the three credit reporting agencies. Experian Equifax TransUnion Those companies also created and sponsor Annual Credit Report. You can request your score through that site too. I'd stay away from those other copycat sites that exist only to make a buck off of you and possibly misuse your personal information. Federal Trade Commission consumer credit information
...See More
moonshadow
16 years ago
I use annualcreditreport.com as well. No gimmicks there.

If you want to monitor your credit several times a year you can do it there for free.

Example: get a report from Equifax now. Free.
Get a report from TransUnion in 4 months (still free because you're entitled to 1 free report per year from each of the 3 credit bureaus.
4 months later get a report from Experian.
4 months later you are starting year #2. Repeat the cycle starting with Equifax again because by now it has been 1 year since you got your 1st report from Equifax so it's free again. ;)
dave_donhoff
16 years ago
Hi Mare,

Checking your credit on a scheduled regularity is just as important to your safety & wealth as having dental & physical checkups is to your health.

You can get your basic account reports for free directly from each of the three major bureaus (Transperian, Equifax and Experian.)

You'll want to get a full tri-merge report that includes your actual credit scores (3 total per person, one from each bureau,) and the 'reason codes' (4 per score) that detail why each score is calculated as far below the perfect 850 as it is. These are basically only available through a mortgage loan officer (usually a broker,) so having a good relationship there is a healthy/wealthy idea.

Luck!
Dave Donhoff
Strategic Equity & Mortgage Planner
mare_wbpa
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks to all of you for the excellent information and advice. I sincerely appreciate it.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Special Report: Kitchen News from Cologne

Blended Kitchen-Living Rooms, Super-Skinny Counters and Hidden Appliances Are Headed This Way

Special Report: Interior Design News From Cologne

Take a Photo Tour of the Latest Furniture Innovations Headed Our Way

TASTEMAKERS ICFF 2012 Report: Black+Blum for Home Plus Office

By Vanessa Brunner

Everyday items for the home and workplace — a water bottle, a dish rack — get an unconventional rethink by the award-winning British company

0

MOST POPULAR 10 Reasons to Get Rid of More Clutter

By Laura Gaskill

From a calmer mind to a more workable closet, the benefits of streamlining are just a few trash bags away

Tips for Downsizing - Pain Free!

By Becky Harris

LIFE 'Not My Precious Books!' — Pain-Free Ways to Declutter Your Library

By Alison Hodgson

Have your books and neatness too, with these ideas for paring down and straightening up a beloved collection

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Breezy and Bug-Free Modern Porches

Screening keeps pests out of these diverse porches across the U.S., while thoughtful designs keep them visually appealing

COMMUNITY Little Free Libraries Take Manhattan

By Annie Thornton

Designers' modern mini libraries boost reading and community in New York City

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 15 Great Ideas for a Lawn-Free Yard

By Laura Gaskill

End the turf war for good with hardscaping, native grasses and ground covers that save water and are easier to maintain

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Family of 5 Lives (Almost) Clutter Free

By Margot Hartford Photography

Smart decor decisions and multipurpose items help this San Francisco family keep things tidy

Sponsored

Frasure Home Improvements

2 Reviews

Franklin County's Highly Skilled General Contractor

More Discussions

Question about c.d.'s

1