Check Your Credit Report
Your credit history is one of the key factors considered when you want to:
- Apply for a consumer loan or mortgage
- Open a credit card account
- Rent an apartment
- Apply for certain jobs
- Take out certain insurance policies
How often should I check my credit report?
Free Credit Reports Available Annually
As of 2005, new law gives consumers the right to one free credit report a year from each of the three national credit bureaus. A centralized request process is available for your convenience
On-line www.annualcreditreport.com
By phone, toll-free: 877-322-8228
By mail: Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service,
P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Obtain the form here (pdf)
Annual free reports are not available by contacting the three companies individually, but only through the central process:
The availability of annual free credit reports is phased in gradually during 2005. Midwestern states, including Iowa, become eligible as of March 1, 2005. For more information about free annual credit reports, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website
What if I want a credit report more than once a year?
Last modified:02/16/05
Send comments to Jeanette Drewry, drewry@iastate.edu