Getting your Annual Online Credit Reports Fast and Easy

Getting a copy of your credit report is the most effective way to ensure that you have maintained a good credit standing. This is also an excellent way to keep track of your accounts and credit information for fraud or identity theft. Therefore, it is recommended that you always get a copy of your credit report at least once every year. This allows you to have a good handle on your credit activities and maintain your credit score at an acceptable level. This also allows you to detect any fraudulent credit activities that might have been done under your name and without your knowledge.

Under federal government laws, you are entitled to a free credit report from the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, in a 12-month period. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a regulatory agency of the federal government that strictly requires the three credit bureaus to give a copy of an individual's credit report if requested. However, the free credit report is only eligible for a one year period. Any subsequent credit report requests will be charged a nominal fee depending on the credit bureau.

It is recommended that you request for a credit report from only one credit bureau at a time. If you request reports from one of these credit bureaus in a four month period, you can get regular credit reports three times in one year and the interval between these credit reports will be equal. This way, you can monitor your credit report regularly every four months. This method is more beneficial for you compared to making a triple credit report request which is only given ones throughout the year.

Annual Credit Report Through Mail

First and foremost, you should download and print a copy of the annual credit report request from http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/resources/forms/requestformfinal.pdf. Otherwise, you can visit any Fair Trade Commission to request for a copy.

Once you print the copy, fill it up with the required details. Always make sure that the details you have written are correct. Be extra careful when writing spelling and numbers.

You can then mail the request to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-521.

Annual Credit Report Through Telephone

By calling the Annual Credit Report Request Service hotline at 1-877-322-8228, you can give necessary information required in order to request for your credit report.

However, these two methods will have your credit report mailed to your residence in at least 15 days, which is a very long time, especially if you need to view your credit report urgently.

Fortunately, there is a faster and more convenient way to view your credit report instantly using the Annual Credit Report Request Service:

Annual Credit Report Through the Internet

Visit the Annual Credit Report Request website at http://www.annualcreditreport.com. The website will first require you to indicate which state you are currently residing. After this, you are asked to enter other necessary details in a form.

This method allows you to get a copy of your annual online credit reports immediately and at any time. This method is advised for anyone wanting to immediately and urgently view their credit report. All you have to do is enter your details, and upon downloading your credit report, you can easily print it to have a hard copy. If you have used up your yearly free credit report, then visit https://www.credit.com/ufg/default/id_guard_extra_caution to get your credit report copies at affordable rates.