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Checking Your Credit Report
Every time you apply for credit, you're
giving lenders permission to see your credit report. A creditors with a
qualified purpose - such as sending you a pre-approved credit card offer - can
check your report without your permission. So shouldn't you see what they're
seeing? Be proactive and check your credit report on a regular basis. Not only
will you be better prepared for negotiations with lenders, you can also get
early warning signs of fraud.
You should review your credit report from the three major U.S. credit
reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at least once a year,
and especially before making a large purchase, like a house or a car. You also
can order credit reports from all three agencies at the same time from Fair
Isaac Corporation.
Credit agencies charge a small fee for the report. However, residents of some
states may obtain one free credit report per year from each agency. And if
you've been denied credit in the past 60 to 90 days, the agencies must provide
a current report, free of charge.
Equifax
PO Box 740241
Atlanta GA 30374
(800) 685-1111
www.equifax.com
Experian
PO Box 2104
Allen TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
www.experian.com
TransUnion
PO Box 1000
Chester PA 19022
(800) 888-4213
www.transunion.com
Fair Isaac Corporation
Consumer Division
www.myfico.com
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