Obtaining A Copy Of Your Credit Report

Your credit score can affect your ability to rent or purchase a home, obtain reasonable interest rates on loans, and even establishing utility or cell phone accounts. But how do you keep current on your all-important credit score and credit report?

Free Credit Reports

Did you know that, under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to one free credit report per year? Annualcreditreport.com, a site run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), provides a link and instructions to request free credit reports from the “big three” agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Do not be fooled by other sites advertising free credit reports, which may charge hidden fees.

Additionally, you are entitled to a free credit report if someone- for example, an employer, landlord, or creditor- takes adverse action against you.

Other Credit Reporting Agencies

Beyond the “big three”, there are additional agencies offering credit reporting services. Depending on your situation, it may be worth it to obtain copies of their reports. Some examples:

· Accurate Background (employment screening)

· ADP Screening & Selection Services, Inc. (employment screening)

· Checkr (employment screening)

· ChexSystems (banking)

· CoreLogic Credco

· Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (insurance)

· First Advantage

· Innovis

· IntelliCorp (employment screening)

· LexisNexis Risk Solutions

· MIB, Inc. (medical)

· National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (utilities)

· RealPage, Inc. (tenant screenings)

· SafeRent Solutions, LLC (tenant screenings)

· TeleCheck Services (banking)

The above are just examples of the hundreds of consumer reporting agencies that report data on consumers nationwide.

Other Credit Reporting Agencies

In a subsequent post, we’ll discuss what to do if there are errors in your credit report. But if you are having trouble accessing your credit report and/or fixing errors, you should always contact an attorney who is experienced in FCRA cases. Our office handles cases in California and Georgia.