Free credit report Tip

At some point in time or another I'm sure that you have asked yourself, "how do I get a copy of my credit report and what will it cost me to get one?" Depending upon the circumstances, you are entitled to get a copy absolutely for free. But, in other cases, you may have to pay a small fee, which usually runs under ten dollars. The fee varies from state to state. You can start by finding out which credit reporting agencies reported your information by simply going to your nearest local credit reporting agencies most often used. Go to your local county records office to obtain information on any lien or bankruptcies that you may have had, or by writing one or all three of the main credit bureaus. Here are sample circumstances that would entitle you to a free copy of your credit file.
• When you apply for any type of credit and have been denied because of some negative information in your file, you can request a copy of your report within 30 or sometimes 60 days of being denied. Any creditor that denied you credit will provide you with the name of the credit bureau that reported your information that led to the denial of your credit. The bureau must provide you a free copy after you send in your written request.
• States such as New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maryland, Georgia, and Colorado will give you a free annual copy once every year if you happen to live in one of those states. If you live in other then the states mentioned, you could still request a free copy from Experian Credit Reporting.
• Also, if you are under any type of Public Assistance and or if you think that fraud is involved in your negative report you can still obtain a free copy, just make sure that you provide an affidavit along with your request, stating that the information that you have provided are true and accurate. Even if you are not denied credit you can still obtain a free copy of your report from Experian Credit Bureau for your record.
Due to the privacy act, all credit report requested must be in writing. The process normally takes about one to three weeks after you have requested your file. To avoid any delay in receiving your report you may want to make sure that the items listed below are accurate. You must include all this information when requesting for your report:
• Your full name
• Your current address
• Your former addresses and dates of residency
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number
• Phone numbers
• Spouse's name if you are married or divorced
Make sure that you include a letter that tells the credit bureaus why you are requesting your report. One of the reasons may be that you’ve either been denied credit and you want to know why, or because you are requesting your free annual copy. Whatever the reasons are, just remember that you need to enclose it with your request. Important too, double-check that all the information that you provide is accurate and that there are no mistakes. Check for correct spelling and completeness. There are some possibilities that someone else has some of the same information as you. To make the process of obtaining your report quick and easy, follow the rules above. Send your written request to one or all three of these main Credit Bureaus listed below:
1. Equifax, Post office box 105873
Atlanta, GA 30348 (800) 685-1111
2. Experian/TRW, P.O.B 949
Allen, TX 75013, (800) 392-1122
3. Trans Union, PO Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064, (800) 851-2674