How to Clean Up Your Credit Report
Clean up your credit report so you can get the loans you need.
To clean up your credit report, you'll need to order copies of your report from the three major credit bureaus, review the reports for inaccuracies or old information, and then ask the credit bureaus to correct the information.
How to Get a Copy of Your Credit Report
The three major credit reporting companies are Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. You should order your report from all three, as they often contain different information. To order directly from one of these credit bureaus, visit its website.
Equifax
www.equifax.com
TransUnion LLC
www.transunion.com
Experian
www.experian.com
Free Reports
You can get one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting companies. To order your free report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.
You are entitled to an additional free copy of your credit report each year if:
- You've been denied credit because of information in your credit report.
- You're unemployed and looking for work.
- You receive public assistance.
- You believe your file contains errors due to fraud or identity theft.
- You've been denied employment (or another adverse employment decision has been made) based at least in part on information contained in a credit report.
Credit Reports for a Fee
If you do not qualify for a free report (for example, if you have already ordered your free report for the year), you'll pay a $10 fee or less (depending on your state requirements).
Information Required to Order Your Report
When you request your credit report, you must provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you moved in the last two years, you may also have to provide your previous address.
To confirm your identity, you may also be required to provide information that only you would know. So be prepared to answer questions about your previous addresses or the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.
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