Credit Restoration Handout


U.S. Consumers Entitled To One Free Credit Report Each Year


U.S. consumers are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three credit bureaus, through the www.annualcreditreport.com website. Besides accessing through the website, the public can also call a toll-free number or mail a written request. The toll free number to call is 877-322-8228. Written requests can be sent to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P. O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

You are entitled to receive one free credit file disclosure every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. It is suggested you order a credit report from a different credit bureau every 4 months. This approach allows you to receive a free updated credit report on a frequent basis to assist you in more effectively monitoring for credit report errors or identity theft. Currently, there are a number of websites that offer so-called “free” credit reports, but all require trial subscriptions to credit monitoring services. The annualcreditreport.com website, required by federal law, is free of advertising.

You can also obtain a free copy of your report from each of the credit reporting bureaus if you have been denied credit, insurance, employment, or rental housing within the last 60 days, based on your credit 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.

If you do not go through the official website, telephone request or written process to get an annual free credit report, and you do not fit any of the categories to be provided a free report, the fees vary between bureaus and even different regional offices of the same agency. Therefore, you should check with the credit bureau before you formally request your credit report.

It is not difficult to contact the credit bureaus to obtain your credit report. You will know whom to contact if you have been denied credit, because the creditor must then send you a letter explaining why you were denied credit and the name of the credit bureau to request a credit bureau report.

In the following section, there are a series of sample dispute letters that could be used when writing to the credit bureau to remove obsolete or inaccurate credit information. These letters are to suggest format and language and are for your convenience only. They are not to be considered as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state. If you are concerned about your rights and liabilities regarding a particular claim or debt, you should contact an attorney for advice specific to your circumstances.

Credit Restoration
Report Errors and Obsolete Info
Correcting Reports
Free Credit Report

Sample Letters
How to Turn Late Payment Marks Into a Positive Credit Rating
How to Turn Bad Current Debts Into a Positive Credit Rating
Use A Consumer Statement to Explain Negative Credit History
When The Consumer Statement is Most Effective
Summary