.jpg)
Obtaining an annual credit report can be a good way to stay on top of your personal credit and ensure that information is reported accurately. It can also be a good way to ensure that your identity is not being used by someone else or at least to catch it early if someone tries to steal your identity.
Many people are under the impression that they must be charged for every credit report they obtain. This is not actually the case. Under law, consumers have the right to review an annual credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies once every twelve months for no charge. It is up to the consumer to decide whether they want to request all three credit reports at one time or whether they want to request copies of the reports from the agencies at different times. Many consumers find it helpful to request a credit report from each credit reporting bureau every four months instead of requesting all three reports at the same time.
Since some consumers find it burdensome to contact each of the three different credit reporting bureaus separately to obtain their annual credit report, it is now possible to obtain a yearly credit report online. Many companies provide credit monitoring services, but consumers can also go to AnnualCreditReport.com in order to receive a copy of their annual credit report at no charge to them. Consumers can request a copy of their credit report from just one of the credit reporting bureaus or all three at the same time. Provided the request is made only every twelve months, there is no charge for this service as consumers are guaranteed this right by law.
Along with receiving an annual credit report, consumers also have the right by law to receive a free copy of their credit report at any time they have been denied credit. The company through which the consumer applied for credit is required by law to provide the consumer with the name of the credit bureau which they used for obtaining credit information which the credit decision was based upon. The consumer will then be able to contact the credit bureau to obtain a free credit report. The request must be made within 60 days.
Reviewing your annual credit report can provide you with peace of mind as well as protect your financial future.