Be Sure Your Credit History Is Correct

You are entitled to receive one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion & Equifax. You can choose to order these free credit reports all at the same time, or order a different credit bureau's free report every few months (but only one time per year.)

You must order a free credit report through the Annual Credit Report clearing house online at: www.annualcreditreport.com.

You'll have to provide your social security number, date of birth and current address. The credit agencies also offer several additional options to choose from, including getting a credit score, but these options are not free. You do not have to buy any of the additional services to get the free credit report.

Once you've received a copy of your credit report, review it to make sure it is current and free from errors. If there are mistakes or outdated information on your credit report, you should write to the credit bureaus. The bureaus must, at no charge to you, investigate the disputed information. If an investigation doesn't resolve your dispute, you can ask that a statement of the dispute be included in your credit file and in future reports.

Many people first become aware that their credit report contains significant inaccuracies only when they're denied credit. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives consumers certain rights.

• You must be told if information in your file has been used against you. Anyone who uses a credit report to deny your application for credit, insurance, or employment must tell you, and must give you the name, address, and phone number of the agency that provided the information.

• You have the right to ask for a credit score. Credit scoring is a system creditors use to help determine whether to give you credit, and how much to charge you for it. A high credit score indicates a good credit worthiness, and will qualify the score holder for loans at lower interest rates. You can obtain your credit score from the consumer reporting agencies, but you will have to pay for it.

• You have the right to know what is in your file. You may request and obtain all the information about you in the files of a consumer reporting agency. You will be required to provide proper identification, which may include your social security number.