Federal law requires each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to provide you with a free copy of your credit report every 12 months. You can make all of these requests online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
To keep close track of your credit standing, stagger your requests. For example, you can request a report from Equifax in June, from Experian in October, and from TransUnion in February. Then start again with Equifax next June. That way, you’ll see your credit report every four months.
If you’re married, your spouse can make the same requests in August, December, and April, to continue the above example. Then you’ll have a chance to see your joint accounts every two months.
Why go to all this bother? You can make sure that no one else has attempted or has succeeded in obtaining credit in your name. You also can correct any errors that may adversely affect your credit score.
