How to get annual free credit report

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Article Highlights

  • You can receive Equifax credit reports with a free myEquifax account.
  • You can access free credit reports from each of the nationwide credit bureaus at annualcreditreport.com.
  • You can request these free annual credit reports online, by phone, or by mail.
  • In addition to receiving a free credit report, you can now also receive your credit report in Spanish from Equifax.com or by calling Equifax Customer Care.

If you want to check your credit reports there are several ways that we'll discuss below.

myEquifax™

We offer your Equifax credit report when you create a myEquifax™ account. Just look for “Equifax Credit Report” on your myEquifax dashboard.

AnnualCreditReport.com

You may already know that you're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus.

By visiting annualcreditreport.com, you can request credit reports from the three nationwide credit bureaus — Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion® by visiting annualcreditreport.com or by contacting the Annual Credit Report Service via phone or mail:

  • By calling: (877) 322-8228;
  • By mailing: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

These reports do not include credit scores. For more information on how to request your credit report by mail visit annualcreditreport.com.

Please note until the end of 2023, you are currently eligible to receive free weekly credit reports online.

Free Equifax Credit Report In Spanish

Additionally you can receive your Equifax credit report in Spanish. Equifax is the first and only credit bureau to offer a free, translated credit report in Spanish online and by mail.

There are two ways to request your Spanish credit report, online or by phone.

You can visit: www.equifax.com/micredito or call Equifax customer service 888-EQUIFAX (1-888-378-4329) and press option 8 to begin requesting your free credit report in Spanish.

Find out more information on how you can get your credit report in Spanish.

More than one annual credit report

You could be eligible for an additional credit report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act during any 12-month period if you meet one of the following requirements:

  • You are unemployed and intend to apply for employment within 60 days;
  • You receive public welfare assistance;
  • You believe your credit report contains inaccurate information due to fraud.

You are also entitled to a free copy of your credit report if you meet these requirements:

  • You have been the subject of adverse action, such as denial of credit or insurance, within the past 60 days.
  • You have placed a fraud alert on your credit reports.

If any of these situations apply to you, you can request your additional free copy of your Equifax credit report:

  • Online at Equifax.com/FCRA
  • On our automated phone line: (800) 685-1111. Hours are 7:30 a.m. — 1:30 a.m. ET.
  • By mail to: Equifax Disclosure Department, P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374.

If you're sending your request by mail, please be sure to include your name, Social Security number, current and previous addresses, and date of birth. For your protection, you will also need to verify your identity through an acceptable form of identification. Find out more about acceptable forms of identification.

Why should I check my credit report?

  • The more you know about your credit history before making a big decision, like buying a house or a car, the more prepared you will be to take on the financial obligations that may happen as a result.
  • Checking your credit reports does not impact your credit scores, but it may help establish the right kinds of behaviors early on, and may help spot signs of identity theft.

How can I get a free credit report?

Here are some of the ways to get a free copy of your Equifax credit report.

  • How to get annual free credit report

    myEquifax

    As part of myEquifax, you'll receive free Equifax credit reports each year. It's free!

    Get started
  • How to get annual free credit report

    Annualcreditreport.com

    Access free credit reports from each of the nationwide credit bureaus each week.

    Get started
  • How to get annual free credit report

    Equifax.com/FCRA

    Get started

What information is in a credit report?

Ever wondered what information goes into your credit report, and what to look for as you’re reviewing it? A credit report is a summary of your unique financial history. The three nationwide credit bureaus collect and maintain a history of your credit activity as reported by the lenders and creditors you have accounts with. Your credit report includes important information about you, including:

  • Personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, aliases or former names, current and former addresses, and sometimes your current and former employers;
  • Account information, including payment history, account balances and limits, and dates the accounts were opened or closed. This includes credit accounts that may be in your name such as credit cards, mortgages, student loans, and vehicle loans;
  • Bankruptcies and accounts in collections; and
  • Inquiries, which lists the lenders and other companies that have accessed your credit report.


As you look at your credit report, keep the following in mind:

  • In the personal information section of your credit report, is your name listed accurately, and your address up to date?
  • In the account information portion of your credit report, are the accounts listed complete and accurate?
  • If any of the information is inaccurate or incomplete, it is important to contact the lender or creditor that issued the account, or the nationwide credit bureau that issued the credit report.

Why is knowing about my credit important?

Your credit reports tell a detailed story about you, including information about your financial accounts, and your payment history. Those who can access this information, including third parties with “permissible purpose”, may accept or deny your applications for credit based in part on the information in your credit reports, as well as their own lending criteria.

The more you know about your financial accounts and credit history before making a big decision like buying a house or a car, the more prepared you will be to take on the financial obligations that may happen as a result.

Am I eligible for an additional credit report?

Another way you can receive a copy of your free credit report from the three major credit bureaus is by meeting one of the following requirements as outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

If you meet one of these requirements, you are entitled to one additional free copy of your credit report during any 12-month period:

  • You're unemployed and intend to apply for employment within 60 days
  • You're receiving public welfare assistance
  • You believe your credit report contains inaccurate information due to fraud


You are also entitled to a free copy of your credit report if you meet these requirements:

  • You've been denied credit or insurance within the past 60 days
  • You've placed a fraud alert on your credit reports

If you live in certain states, you may be eligible for additional free credit reports.

How do I get my free annual credit report?

Request Your Free Credit Report: Online: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com. By Phone: Call 1-877-322-8228. For TTY service, call 711 and ask the relay operator for 1-800-821-7232.

What is the best site to get a free credit report for free?

You might see companies and sites offering free credit reports, but there's only one authorized place to get the free annual credit report you're entitled to by law: AnnualCreditReport.com.

Is annual credit report really free?

Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - to give you a free credit report every 12 months if you ask for it.

What are the 3 ways you can obtain a free copy of your annual credit report?

Federal law gives you free access to your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Using the government-mandated AnnualCreditReport.com website is the quickest way to get them, but you can also request them by phone or mail.