Your Credit Report

It's recommended that you get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - once a year to make sure the information is accurate.

• Experian
• Trans Union
• Equifax

To obtain a copy of your credit report, you'll need to provide the following in writing:

• Full name, including any previous names
• Current address
• Previous address (if needed for five-year credit history)
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Signature

Free Credit Reports

If you have been denied credit because of negative information in your credit report, you may ask which agency provided your credit history and then obtain a copy of your report from that agency within 60 days at no charge.

In addition, you are entitled to one free report if:

• You are unemployed and plan to seek employment within 60 days;
• You are on welfare; and/or
• Your report is inaccurate due to fraud.

Negative Information on Your Credit Report

If you find negative information in your credit report that is correct, you can:

• Pay any balances so that creditors can update your file;
• Wait seven years for negative information to be taken off; (except for bankruptcies, which may remain for 10 years)
• Write a brief statement of explanation to be included in future reports. (i.e., unemployment).

Accurate information cannot be removed from your credit report.

Incorrect Information on Your Credit Report

If you find there is incorrect information in your credit report, you can:

• Request, in writing, an investigation that will be made within 30 days;
• Contact the creditor, in writing.

If you are not able to resolve the dispute, the creditor must report your dispute to the credit reporting agency.

If any deletion or notation is made regarding the information, you may request that new information be sent to any employer who has received a credit report during the past two years or anyone else who has requested credit information in the previous six months.

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