Sandra Stammberger asked:


An annual credit report contains information regarding your loans and repayment history. It also contains information about your employment and registered residential address. Any names that you have used in the past will be included in this annual credit report, as well as any loans you applied for and been denied. Most importantly, your annual credit report will contain your social security number and beacon credit score. Lenders, potential employers and property owners all look at this report. Identity thieves also prey on the personal information in your annual credit report to defraud credit card companies, banks, loan companies and many other businesses.

To obtain an annual credit report is very simple. All three major credit reporting agencies allow every individual consumer one free annual credit report per year. Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union have combined a single website for this purpose and with access to an online computer you can easily navigate your way to a free annual credit report.

Equifax, Experian and Trans Union will also honor written requests for an annual credit report as well as telephone requests. The waiting times for receiving your annual credit report using these methods are as short as one week and as long as six weeks. Online credit services are extremely fast and also appeal to some consumers by offering incentives such as a free one-time annual credit report for issuing monthly or quarterly reports to you for a nominal fee. Fees and services vary among these businesses, and it is worth comparing them, and perhaps reading the reviews on a number of consumer forums.

Whichever method you decide suits your needs, the benefits are limitless. Knowledge is very important in respect to your annual credit report. When applying to meet any of your financial goals, such as freeing yourself from debt, it is pertinent to understand your credit score and that you correct any mistakes in the information it contains. Also organizing your finances and updating employment, phone numbers and addresses can be crucial to help prevent identity theft.

Checking your annual credit report is your key to a healthy and secure future for yourself and your family. Each agency or service attaches a detailed instruction sheet or page explaining exactly how to read and understand your annual credit report.



Kansieo.com

oihge7707 asked:


I think we’re allowed to get one once a year – is that true?
If so where exactly can I get an annual credit report for free?
Thanks.

Manuel

Helen Hecker asked:


Assuming you already have a copy of your annual credit report you may have already found some errors that should be removed. Errors should always be a big concern because they can and probably have affected your credit score, also called a FICO. You can repair your credit with a little bit of help.

It may seem like a lot of work but it’s really easy. The hardest part is actually sitting down to do it. You’ll need to check all three credit bureaus to make sure the same error isn’t on all three but if you just have one credit report, start with that one.

First make a list of any and all errors that you find on your personal credit report. These could be in the form of personal information such as birth date or more likely there will be information that you know not to be true such as late payments or no payments recorded etc. If you think there is any possibility that you could be wrong check your past history with the creditor in question first.

You want to make sure you are right before you make the request to have any information removed from your credit report.

You will be sending the letter only to the credit bureau mentioned on the report, which would be Esperian, Equifax or TransUnion. You don’t want to sound angry in the letter, just be matter-of-fact, straightforward and business-like. Just outline the facts - name of creditor, dates, and the error(s) or problem(s) you’re finding on the credit report.

Here is a sample letter:

Date:

To whom it may concern at Esperian (or other credit bureau):

I recently acquired a copy of my credit report and found some errors that I’d like to dispute. I am enclosing documentation to prove the information is incorrect and would like a correction. I value my good standing and good credit history and want to maintain a good credit rating and credit score.

Name the creditor along with the reference date including the month, day and year if possible.

The error(s) I have found are:

I’m including copies of my payment record, with a (cancelled check or online payment print-outs or any other documentation that you have).

I would appreciate any attention to the matter as I would like my credit report to be accurate. I’m sure you understand that credit bureaus need to include only information that is accurate in my file.

Thank you for taking a look at my letter and file and hopefully making the necessary corrections so I can continue to maintain my good credit standing. Please let me know that my file has been reviewed and what action has been taken. I would also like a copy of my corrected credit report sent to the enclosed address. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Besides your full name as shown on the report, include you mailing address, a copy of the report that you have, your social security number, driver’s license photocopy and any other documentation such as a cancelled check or online payment confirmations.

Make a copy of the letter for yourself and a copy of any enclosures with the letter. Send the dispute letter by certified mail with a ‘return receipt’ requested. Then make sure to get the free credit reports from the other two main credit bureaus or reporting agencies to make sure they don’t have the same incorrect information. You can get free instant credit reports from the other two online.



Don

MW asked:


I try to go to the website www.annualcreditreport.com and I get the following message as soon as I open the page:

A condition exists that prevents us from being able to accept your request at this time.

Please visit this website again at a later time, or to request delivery of your free annual credit report via U.S. mail, call (877) 322–8228.

Thank you.

Why is that? Has anyone had this problem?

Regina

ticosport9 asked:


I would like to get my free credit report, I heard that you have the right to get one once a year, Would it count as an inquire when you order your free annual credit report?…I already have lots of inquires.

Thank you

Annie

Eddie Delgado asked:


he most effort taking thing and nevertheless it is like making a million out of one single dollar. It is as similar to rebuilding or re establishing your credit after bankruptcy. This is the reason why most people who have just passed from a foreclosure, file for a bankruptcy too so that they can start all fresh once again. Steps to rebuild the credit after foreclosure and bankruptcy are same all in all.

The first step of rebuilding your credit starts from looking at your credit report. It can be easily obtained once per year from all the three main credit bureaus by visiting annual credit report section and following simple instructions. With the review of your credit report you can clearly see what exactly is negative and is reporting in your credit report. It is important to genuinely analyze yourself and see where you are standing so that you know what you got in hand to start with. Once, you are done with this you will have a clear idea of what items are the most important and need to be paid, what items can be disputed and what items are not so important at all. Correcting your credit report is most important and it becomes of even more importance after bankruptcy. Most important is to make sure that all accounts are reporting with balance 0 and were paid in the process of bankruptcy so that you might not face hardships while starting all afresh.

Second most important step is to regain a couple of credit cards or reestablish them. Under the above mentioned situations. You might find it too hard to get a traditional credit card so it is better that you go for a secured credit card, which is as good as a traditional one. Under the situation most think that they will never have a credit card again, you might won’t be an exception either but it is advisable to have a credit card if you even plan to have any sort of credit in future. If you don’t, then you can surely settle down without having one. Living without any sort of credit is practically not possible for most of us in today’s times, hence, getting a couple of credit cards and applying some tricks to re build the credit is always a better option. Credit card not necessarily is bad credit if you use it with caution. Use them less and wisely and once used, try to pay on time.

Next trick is getting some insurance on health and automobiles because medical bills or accidents can result in high bills and most probably under the situation it will lead to a collection. Not to mention medical bills are one of the front runner reasons for filling bankruptcy.

Create a budget for your household because without a proper planning you will find it very hard to stay afloat. Rebuilding the credit is a slow process and demands your patience but the results are very awarding indeed. Try to keep your feet more and more on ground and make realistic spending limits, try to stick more and more with them so that you don’t tend to cross. Needs are non ending but under such situation you are advised to buy only the things which are truly necessary and don’t come under the category of wastage of money.

Find out how to get your Free Credit Report and learn how to raise your credit score 107 points in 39 days and get approved for that car, home or credit card loan you need, click here to get started today.

Rosa