You probably know that you are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit agencies.
You are also entitled to a free report if you are turned down for credit.
Here are some tips when ordering your report: Start at this web site: annualcreditreport.
com.
This site links back to the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies' web sites.
The process can be done entirely online.
You will need to have some personal financial information available to get access to your report.
Having this information with you when you start will make things easier.
You also have the option of doing everything through the mail, but that process is far slower.
You are only allowed to check your own credit information.
Do not attempt to access anyone else's information.
You are looking for two things on your credit report - incorrect information and evidence of identity theft.
Negative credit information that is correct is not the same thing as incorrect information, and will not be removed.
You can attach a statement explaining your situation regarding any negative credit information.
Make sure your statement is short, well written, and to the point.
Challenge anything that looks wrong.
A challenge will be answered in about a week.
It is absolutely worth the trouble to challenge any information that appears incorrect because the incorrect information will usually be changed.
You can get your credit report for free, but you cannot get your credit score for free.
There is a charge for your score if you think that you need it.
There is also a charge to sign up for credit monitoring services that notify you any time there is a change to your credit.
While you do not need to buy these products to get access to your free report, the benefits they offers versus what you get in return worth if the price is reasonable.