If you have already obtained your free yearly credit report, you can buy another.
Every 12 months you're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies (also called credit bureaus). If you need another copy from Equifax, Experian, or Transunion within that 12-month period, you can pay for it.
Getting Free Credit Reports
To get your free annual report from the three big credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and Transunion—go to AnnualCreditReport.com.
In certain situations, you can get an additional free report within the 12-month period. (To learn more, see How Often Should I Check My Credit Report?)
Paying for Additional Credit Reports
There are so many ways to get copies of your credit reports for free, you will probably never need to buy a copy. But if you do need another copy—or if you don’t qualify for a free copy—you’ll have to pay about a fee to get a credit report from one of the nationwide credit reporting agencies.
The agencies' websites sometimes hide the charge for ordering one credit report and advertise a low cost or a free copy with a 30-day or longer trial membership for one of their services, such as credit monitoring. If you don’t want the service, be sure to cancel it within the 30 days to avoid the high monthly fees.
How to Pay for Additional Credit Reports
To order additional credit reports after you’ve received your free annual report from the Annual Credit Report service, you must contact the credit reporting agency directly. You can do so:
- Online. The credit reporting agencies generally allow people to order reports from their websites. (See contact information below.)
- By mail. If you choose to order your report by mail, you can use Nolo’s Letter to Request Credit Report. You can also find a copy of this letter in Nolo’s Credit Repair, by Amy Loftsgordon and Cara O'Neill.
- By phone. (See contact information below).
You will have to provide some personal information so the credit reporting agency can identify you.
Contact Information for Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
To contact the three nationwide credit reporting agencies directly, go to:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
800-685-1111
Experian
866-200-6020
TransUnion
800-888-4213
Disputing Errors
If you find errors, outdated information, or missing information on your credit report, you should dispute those items with the credit reporting agency. If the credit reporting agency won’t fix the error or errors, consider talking to an attorney who can help you enforce your rights. You have the right to sue an agency that violates your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including continuing to report incorrect information.
Talk to a Lawyer
Need a lawyer? Start here.
How it Works
- Briefly tell us about your case
- Provide your contact information
- Choose attorneys to contact you
NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP ?
Talk to a Debt Settlement Lawyer.
How It Works
- Briefly tell us about your case
- Provide your contact information
- Choose attorneys to contact you