Here is a quick Credit Report Checklist of what information you need to have ready when requesting your credit report.
Your credit report is free every 12 months or more often if you have been refused credit, employment, or insurance within 30 days – based on a credit report from the credit bureau from which you now seek a report. In practice, the bureaus usually honor a request for a free report anytime within 60 days after credit is refused. However, credit bureaus that did not issue a report that was the basis for the denial can still charge you a credit report fee.
You are also entitled to a free report each year if any of the following are true: It’s been 12 months since you last requested your report. You are unemployed and seeking employment, receiving public welfare assistance, a victim of fraud and your file may contain inaccuracies.
If you do not fall into any category allowing you to get a free credit report, the fees vary between bureaus and even different regional offices of the same agency. Check with the credit bureau before you formally request your credit report.
Credit Report Checklist
- Your full name. State any aliases or maiden name. Also include your middle initial.
- Current address and former addresses for the last 5 years. If you have moved in the last 6 months, provide proof of address from a utility bill or phone bill. The credit bureau may not have your current address on file as yet.
- Social security number. This must be included to process your request.
- Spouse’s name
- State whether you have been denied credit within 60 days (include a copy of the credit denial or related details.)
After reviewing the credit report checklist, it only takes a couple of minutes to view and print your free credit report so there isn’t any reason not to do so. All consumers can get their annual free credit report online 24/7.