Check your credit report once a year by obtaining a copy from each of the following credit reporting agencies:
Equifax: 800-685-1111
http://www.equifax.com/
Experian: 888-397-3742
http://www.experian.com/
Trans Union: 800-888-4213
http://www.tansunion.com/
You can get a free copy of your credit report upon request once every 12 months from http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ or 877-322-8228.
As suggested earlier, make certain that you monitor your credit report. This is especially important if you are planning a major purchase such as a house. Checking your credit report ahead of time can help eliminate any surprise and allow you plenty of time to ensure that any errors are corrected.
Because credit data may vary somewhat by company, it is important to obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the three agencies at little or no cost. Although subject to change, the current average cost of a credit report is between $8.50 and $13. In some cases this cost may include your credit score as well. In many circumstances, however, the cost of obtaining a credit report is free.
Remember, one credit report per year is free. A credit report is also free once a year if you certify in writing that (1) you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days, (2) you’re on welfare, or (3) your report is inaccurate because of fraud. Otherwise, a credit reporting agency may charge you a copy of your report.
