RE: Credit Reports

[GeneF]

 I was browsing around on the net and came across several sites that offered " Free"  credit reports.
 
 After browsing several of them, they all seemed to tie in the " free"  credit report with having to take their 30-day free trial offer for future service.   This seemed to run in cost from $29.95 to $79.95.  Sure it is a free trial offer for 30-days but if you don t notify them within 30 days that you do not want the service, they then charge you the fee.
 
 Does any one know of a site that you can get a free credit report or that will charge you a reasonable fee without any attachments?
 
 Just thought it might be a good idea to take a look at mine.
 
 Thanks

[Tim5055]

 GeneF
Gene,
 
 Credit reports are maintained by 3 commercial organizations, also know as credit reporting agencies (CRAs):
 
 Equifax
 PO Box 105496
 Atlanta,  GA 30348-5496
 
 1-800-685-1111
 www.equifax.com
 
 Experian
 National Consumer Assistance Center
 PO Box 2104
 Allen,  Tx 75013-2104
 
 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
 www.experian.com
 
 Trans Union LLC
 Consumer Disclosure Center
 P.O. Box 1000
 Chester, PA 19022
 
 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
 www.experian.com
 
 In your letter you need to provide:
 Name         
 Current Address   
 SSN         
 DOB         
 POB
 Previous address if you have moved recently.
 
 They can charge up to $9 for a report, but some states like Maryland require one report a year for free.     In addition, there s no charge if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance or employment, and you request your report within 60 days of receiving the notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the CRA. In addition, you re entitled to one free report 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.
 
 The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is designed to help ensure that CRAs furnish correct and complete information to businesses to use when evaluating your application.
 
 Your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act:
 
 [ul]
 

• You have the right to receive a copy of your credit report. The copy of your report must contain all of the information in your file at the time of your request.
• You have the right to know the name of anyone who received your credit report in the last year for most purposes or in the last two years for employment purposes.
• Any company that denies your application must supply the name and address of the CRA they contacted, provided the denial was based on information given by the CRA.
• You have the right to a free copy of your credit report when your application is denied because of information supplied by the CRA. Your request must be made within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.
• If you contest the completeness or accuracy of information in your report, you should file a dispute with the CRA and with the company that furnished the information to the CRA. Both the CRA and the furnisher of information are legally obligated to reinvestigate your dispute.

 
 [/ul]
 Hope this helps   
 

[GeneF]

 GeneF

 Tim
 
 Thanks for the information.
 
 I did know quite a bit of what you posted but you did answer my question through the link to EquiFax.  They don t tack on the 30-day free trial.
 
 Cost is $9.00 through them for the report and $12.95 for report and credit score.
 
 Thanks again for the info.

[JemJen24]

 GeneF
http://www.experian.com/
 
 If you go to this website and chose the THREE REPORTS IN ONE, it will cost around 20-30 dollars and it runs ALL THREE of the above listed reporting agencies credit scores.  It IMMIDIATELY returns the results (if you go with the view results on internet option) and it s VERY easy to maneuver.  I did it two months ago and found one or two small discreptancies.  Another good thing about this website too, is that you create a user name/password when you enter your bililng info and you can recheck your report for several months (I think it s either 6 months to a year) by simple logging in.
 
 A friend reffered me to this website and I love it.
 
 Jennifer []

[chasd60]

 GeneF
I am using
 https://www.econsumer.equifax.com/consumer/landing.ehtml?^start=
 
 Take your pick of which one you need. I personally am getting the " Credit Watch"  one. It only gives me a report from one agency but it notifies me when anyone checks my credit and I get 4 updates per year with all of the old ones archived for future viewing. It also includes " Identity Theft"  insurance, not much but a little. And yes I have been notified by email when someone has checked my credit, so it seems to be legit.

[fivegonefishing]

 GeneF
In Canada, specifically, Ontario, the bureaus must provide the report free of charge.  It too is Equifax http://www.equifax.com/EFX_Canada/consumer_information_centre/overview_e.html
 
  and Transunion http://www.transunion.com/index.jsp which provide the reports.

[whitestar505]

 fivegonefishing
What I do is join this http://www.myfico.com/. I do it for a year at 59.00. This allows me 6 request for credit info on myself. This also watchs for someone  trying to steal your identity. You may also get it for one shot at 12 something. Remember there is never something for nothing.
 
 
 Ops, it was 59 now 69.

[mike4947]

 GeneF
On thing to watch when making requests on your credit report. Multiple requests, whether they are from you or bank or where ever can count against you. So go ahead and check ,hust don t do it say monthly, even if it s free.
 Same goes for looking for loans. We searched 6 banks looking for the best deal on a loan. All of a sudden we were asked to pay 2% higher interest. When we asked why it was because there were so many requests against our credit report. Seems they take that as a sign you getting credit from a bunch of sources and therefore a bad risk. They don t bother checking if you actually got the credit.