Credit Repair

Credit Repair: Getting your Credit Report

Free Credit Report

Yes, you can probably get your credit report for free. There are actually several ways for you to get your free credit report. The most likely reason you’ll be able to get a free credit report is that the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 2003 requires all credit bureaus to give out one free credit report each year. As great as that is, there are a couple of catches. First, it’s being rolled out over the course of 2005 in four separate zones and the whole country won’t be covered until September 1st, 2005. Second, they’re required to give you your credit report, but not your score. If you want your report to include your credit score they’ll charge you relatively small fee to include it. Thirdly, the free credit report is only good for thirty days. So if you get it online make sure you print a couple copies. Still, if that doesn’t suit you, there are more ways you qualify for free credit reports.

Even more free credit reports

In addition to your once-a-year free credit report, you can also qualify for a free report under any of the following conditions:

-You are turned down for credit, employment, or insurance within the last 60 days. Mail a copy of the written proof of reason you were turned down to the credit bureaus with a request for your credit report.
-You were charged higher rates and fees or deposits based on a credit report issued by a credit bureau. In such a case you have the right to get a free copy from that particular bureau .
-You certify in writing that you are either unemployed and plan to look for employment in the next 60 days
-You are on welfare
-You were a victim of fraud
If you still don’t qualify for a free credit report, you can always just pay for them. It’ll run you about $30 to get them from the big three and if you can’t get a free report you don’t really have a choice. You need a copy of your credit report to go any farther with the credit repair process.