Now Get Three Free Credit Reports Every Week for a Year

The three major credit bureaus - TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax - are now offering free weekly credit reports to all Americans through April 20, 2021. You can request your free credit report from each credit reporting agency weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Normally, each credit bureau only allows you to check your credit report for free once per year. Now, you can get up to three free credit reports per week to help protect your financial health during the coronavirus pandemic.

How to Request My Free Credit Report

The process to receive your credit reports is simple.

1. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com
2. Click on "Request your free credit reports"
3. Fill out the form, including your name, Social Security number, and current address, to request up to three copies of your credit report
4. Answer security questions to confirm your identity (you will need to do this for each credit report)
5. Individually review each requested report

What Should I Look for on My Credit Report?

Look for errors and signs of potential fraud when reviewing your credit report. This includes:

• Identity errors, including an incorrect name, address, or phone number
• New accounts and/or inquires that you don't recognize
• Reporting errors, such as payments made on time listed as a late or missed payment or an open account listed as closed
• Incorrect balances or credit limits on accounts
• Duplicate reporting of a legitimate credit account or debt

How Do I Dispute an Error on My Credit Report?

If you discover any errors on your credit report, dispute them as soon as possible by following these steps:

• Step 1: File a dispute with each of the major credit bureaus.

  Inform all three major credit bureaus of the error. To file your dispute online, follow these links for each of the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. You can also file your disputes by mail. If filing by mail, it’s best to send your letter via certified mail with a requested return receipt. When submitting a written dispute, clearly identify each disputed item in your report, explain why you are disputing these items, and ask that the errors be deleted or corrected. Include your full contact information, as well as copies of any documents that support your claim.

• Step 2: Contact the creditor.

  After you’ve contacted each bureau, also reach out to the creditor linked to the error. This step isn’t necessary, but it may speed up the correction process. Most creditors will provide a link or an address for disputes. Follow the guidelines in step one and include all relevant information and documentation. Let the creditor know you’ve also contacted the credit bureaus, as they’ll want to include a copy of your dispute if they report their findings to the bureaus.

• Step 3: Follow up.

  Expect to be contacted by the bureaus and the creditor within 30 days after filing your disputes. If all goes well, your dispute will be accepted and your credit will be restored. If one of the credit bureaus or a creditor does not resolve the error in your favor, you can ask them to include a copy of your dispute in your file and in all future credit reports for a small fee. You can also consider hiring a lawyer to help you contest the report. Always monitor your credit report and be vigilant about correcting errors. The payoff can affect your financial wellness for years to come.