Credit Reports
U.S Consumers have the right to obtain a free copy of each credit report every 12 months at www.annualcreditreport.com. The following (3) national credit reporting agencies generate consumer credit files.
Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
(800) 685-1111
http://www.equifax.com
TransUnion
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
(800) 888-4213
http://www.transunion.com
Experian (Formerly TRW)
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
http://www.experian.com
Why Do I Need All Three Credit Reports?
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are three independent consumer credit reporting agencies, which receive and store consumer data gathered by a wide network of smaller affiliates. Most companies, directly or indirectly, report your credit information to one or more of these credit bureaus… some report to all three. It is strongly recommended that you periodically access and review each credit report to ensure the three credit bureaus are storing and circulating accurate information about you. Statistical data indicates credit reports can contain errors. These mistakes or inaccuracies can negatively impact the credit rating of some U.S. consumers. It is not unusual to fine someone else's harmful information on your credit file just because you share the same name or a similar identify.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) grants every U.S consumer the right to access a free copy of their credit report every 12 months, from each of the three major credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com. In addition, if you have been denied credit recently, and the information on a credit report was listed as a factor in the decision, you are entitled to request a free copy of the credit report, aside from the three credit reports your are allowed to access every 12 months.