How To Get A Free Credit Report

You've probably seen plenty of banner ads telling you to click and actually get a free credit report. However, some of these sites really want to just get your credit card number and continually bill you for credit report monitoring services. The Federal Trade Commission, a body of the United States Federal Government, notes that only AnnualCreditReport.com is really authorized to give you a free credit report.

1. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to start the steps necessary to actually effectively practice how to get a free credit report.
2. Select your state of residence; this is required to get a credit report.
3. Answer the initial questions requesting your personal information. You must provide your full name, current address, date of birth and Social Security number to actually be able to obtain a free credit report. If you've moved in the past two years, you'll also have to provide your former address.
4. The final step toward actually getting a free credit report is the identity verification quiz. The computer screen will present to you anywhere from two to four multiple choice questions. You then select the proper answer. Information requested could be anything from the name of a close blood relative (like your mother) or the name of one of your current or past lenders.
5. As long as you pass all identity verifications, you will be able to select and print your free credit reports. You can get one from each major credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) every 12 months from AnnualCreditReport.com.

Remember that it is a federal offense to get a free credit report on anyone else without their consent. So even if you might know your girlfriend's personal information, it's illegal (and not good for your relationship!) to try to do this type of background check on her!

References:

The Federal Trade Commission's Information on Free Annual Credit Reports

AnnualCreditReport.com