Even though TransUnion reports that 95 percent of consumers have no problems seeing their credit reports online, there will be times when it’s not that easy for everyone. If you are having trouble viewing your credit report from any of the three reporting agencies, the following tips will guide you through the necessary steps.
How to Access Your Online Credit Report
Each one will also allow you to request access to your credit report online.
Before you are allowed access to your credit report you will need to be able to supply the following information,
- Name
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- Addresses within the last 2 years
Along with this information you will also need to answer several security questions.
These questions are based on “out of pocket” information, and are used to authenticate your identity. This means that the answers to the questions won’t be readily available to potential identity thieves.
Some of the other reasons you might not be able to access your credit report can include,
- If you provide an address not listed with the credit bureaus.
- Using a middle name that is not listed on your credit accounts.
- If your financial history is limited.
- If your credit accounts have been inactive for 6 months or longer.
If you can’t access your credit report online, you can still request a copy of it by mail.
How to Request a Credit Report by Mail
Requesting your credit report by mail will require you to provide the following information,
- Copy of driver’s license or government issued i.d. with current address and photo.
- Copy of a current utility bill, insurance or bank statement with matching address.
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- List of current and previous residences within the last 2 years.
Once the credit reporting bureaus have received and verified your information, a copy of your file will be mailed to you. The time it takes to receive your credit report will vary, usually four to six weeks.
Experian deletes inactive accounts with bad credit scores after 7 years. Accounts with good credit scores will be deleted after 10 years of inactivity. Once your credit history is deleted by the 3 reporting agencies it will be necessary for you to start building it again.
Requesting a Credit Report During Incarceration
If you or a family member are incarcerated, it is still possible to request a free credit report. The request must be done by mail, and the following information will need to be supplied.
- Full name, including middle and any suffix.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security number.
- List of residences within the last 2 years.
A notarized letter from a prison official verifying the current address will also need to be submitted. The letter must include the prisoner’s identification number, and be printed on the institution’s official letterhead.
Once the request has been received and approved, a copy of the credit report will be mailed to the correctional facility.
Locating the Necessary Information
Most of the documents and information needed to access your credit report will be relatively easy for you to provide. However, some might be a little more difficult.
If you need a copy of your social security number, you have two options.
- You can request a new social security card by mail. You will need to provide your birth date, along with a copy of your state or government issued i.d. In most cases, it will take 4 to 6 weeks for your new card to arrive.
- A request can be made in person at a local Social Security Administration office. You will need to show proof of identity, along with your birth date. A temporary card will typically be provided, and this can be used to access your credit report. Your permanent card usually arrives by mail within 4 to 6 weeks.
You are not alone if you do not save copies of all your financial records. If some of the necessary information is missing, you can contact your bank or lender. In some cases, you might be able to pick the documents up in person so you can have almost immediate access your credit report. Otherwise you will have to wait until they arrive in the mail.
When Should You Pay for Your Credit Report?
You are legally entitled to one free copy of your credit report from each of the 3 bureaus, once a year.
Most experts recommend requesting the reports separately. This allows you to keep an eye on your credit history for free throughout the year. If a second report is requested a fee of $12 will be charged from the credit reporting bureau.
There are circumstances when you are entitled to additional copies of your credit report for free.
- Information in your credit history might be inaccurate due to suspected fraud.
- If you are the victim of extended fraud, you can request 2 free copies of your credit report annually.
- You are planning on applying for employment 60 days or less from the date of the initial request.
- Credit or loan application denied due to your poor or thin history. You have the legal right to request a free copy of your credit report from the agency listed in the denial notice within 60 days of receiving it.
Some states also have laws in place that allow residents to request multiple free copies of their credit reports.
Often you will find that you were billed at a later date for services that you could have done yourself.
Once you have your information is in order you can send your request to
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Requests can also be submitted to AnnualCreditReport.com.
If you have any additional questions or are concerned about identity fraud a financial expert should be contacted immediately.