How Can I Get A Really Free Credit Report?

It’s a right for every person to get a free credit report at least once per year. The national consumer reporting companies have put up mechanisms to ensure that every person gets his credit report whenever it’s needed. The companies have a central website through which orders for the report are placed.

The three nationwide consumer reporting agencies decided to put up the central website in order to prevent inconveniences and confusions that may be experienced if there were multiple websites. Imposter websites may claim to offer similar services but are not legally mandated to issue credit reports. For online orders the credit report is received almost immediately. The new upgraded 3-in-1 reports come with credit scores although validation of client’s identity, especially the account number is requested before such information is released.

The consumer reporting companies have also provided a toll-free telephone number through which they can be reached. Information enquired in such conversations is processed and the credit report is ready within 15 days. The service is almost entirely voice activated and thus personal information like name and address will be given orally while the date of birth and the social security numbers can be entered through the phone’s keyboard. The caller is given a chance to choose which of the three credit report firms he would kike to get the report from.

A free credit report can also be obtained through mail. The client should first of all download the official request form from the annual credit report website. The form should then be printed and filled in completeness before being mailed to the annual credit report service providers. The credit report is received after a period of four to five weeks i.e. 15 days for processing and 2 or 3 weeks for delivery.

Other additional sources of the credit reports are the official websites of the three consumer credit report agencies where like the central website, the credit report can be obtained instantly after all the necessary information is entered. The Attorney General’s office also provides insights on what the consumer should know about credit reports.