Credit Score Basics

Through the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, each of the three national credit reporting agencies (aka credit bureaus) are required to provide a free copy of your credit report once every year, by request. Review your credit report annually to:

• Manage debt and qualify for the best rates and terms on loans and mortgages.
• Protect against identity theft by keeping aware of unauthorized changes to your credit record.
• Keep informed of credit standing and correct errors that can cause application rejections or high interest rates.

For consumer convenience, the three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – have established one central service from which you can order a free credit report copy. There are several ways to access this service:

1. Online at annualcreditreport.com
2. By telephone at 1-877-322-8228 (toll-free).
3. Complete an Annual Credit Report Request Form (obtained online or by phone) forwarded to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY LAW.

Read more at FTC.GOV.

You have the right to a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com or 877-322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law.

Here are some helpful tips to consider when ordering your free report:

• You are not obligated to accept offers for other credit services when ordering your report.
• Request that only the last four digits of your Social Security number be listed on your report for security purposes.
• Space out orders for free reports from the three different agencies as a better method for identifying potential identity theft.
• You will not get your credit score in the report.