three free credit report

Alex asked:


I’m going to order a copy of my credit report from one of the big three agencies. Since I only get one free report from each agency per year, I’m going to wait a few months before ordering the next one from a different agency.

So, what differences are there in the reports from one agency to the next? Is any one of them preferable somehow, and so I should order that one first?

Thanks!
I know that I can get all 3 at the same time, but then I wouldn’t be able to get ANY free reports at all for an entire year after that.

If I stagger it and only get a report from one agency at a time, I can check my credit report for free every 4 months, and I can keep doing that indefinitely.

This seems wiser to me, so that if something goes awry, I’m more likely to find out about it sooner.

Theresa

Carrie Reeder asked:


Each consumer with credit history should obtain a copy of their report annually. The cost of credit reports vary. If obtaining a copy from the credit bureaus, consumers may pay $15 per bureau. However, some online credit agencies advertise low cost credit reports. Rather than paying for a credit report, consider obtaining a free report.

Who Qualifies for a Free Credit Report?

By law, each consumer is entitled to one free credit report each year. Although reports are free, consumer may have to pay a few bucks to view their credit score. Despite this incentive to encourage credit report monitoring, many people neglect to review the contents of their report. This results in millions becoming victims of identity theft each year. Free credit reports are available online, and viewable for up to 30 days. However, other factors may also qualify you for a free credit report.

Credit Report Inaccuracies

If you believe that your credit report contains errors or mistakes, you are a good candidate for a free credit report from each of the three bureaus. The majority of people only review their report from one bureau. However, if the contents on the Experian report are inaccurate, it’s worth obtaining copies of the other three reports to ensure that the same mistake has not occurred twice.

Denied Credit, Employment, or Insurance

Although credit history has nothing to do with your ability to function well on the job or drive a car, many employers, and insurance agencies have begun checking credit reports. In some instance, a negative credit rating may prevent you from obtaining employment, or result in higher car insurance premiums. Individuals who have been denied a line of credit, employment, or insurance because of their credit will qualify for a free report.

Experience a Credit Limit Reduction or Interest Rate Increase

Unfortunately, creditors have the right to reduce credit limits and increase rates at their leisure. If you habitually make late payments or exceed your credit limit, a change in credit card limits and rates should be expected. However, if changes occur for no apparent reason, it helps to obtain a free copy of your report and ensure that all information is accurate.



Natalie

jason asked:


I don’t want to sign up for any monitoring services and I have already gotten my credit reports from the three reporting companies. Is there any way to get my FICO credit score for free or for a small, one-time fee?

Tyler

The Great Gate asked:


I live in Michigan and am 23. I recently applied last month and was denied. I have never had a credit card or anything. It turns out I had an unpaid traffic ticket in Windsor, Canada that I actually paid (but it was a couple months late). They reported me to JJ Marshal And Associates. I cleared up this matter with JJ Marshal & Assoc. and they wiped it off my record. So…. I accessed my free report today from Equifax and it was clear. Nothing there. Can I apply for a credit card now or do you think the other 2 bureaus are behind in schedule? P.S. I already accessed my report from TransUnion, that is how I found out about this negative thing from 2002 that I cleared and I cannot get one from experian because I couldn’t pass the security test!
This ‘negative’ matter happened in 2002! JJ Marshal Cleared Me October 4, 2007.
I am anxious to apply for a credit card. Will it devastate my file if I get rejected? Is it safe to apply seeing that I am clear with Equifax?

Betty