Free Credit Report Government

The government has made it possible (under the FACT Act that was signed into law on late 2003) for every one to get a free copy of their consumer credit file (credit report) from each of the three major credit bureaus every 12 months.

A common misconception about credit reports and scores is that the Government maintains or controls them. In fact, credit reporting is a private business that is regulated by the government my means of legislation (the 2003 FACT Act)

For this purpose, the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) have united forces and put up a joint website (a.k.a. Annual Credit Report Request Service) especially for this purpose. The Annual Credit Report Request Service is the ONLY place to get your free credit report government is via this service.

Each of the CRAs (Credit Reporting Agencies, AKA Credit Bureaus) maintains a website that provides credit report from the specific bureau, but these reports are NOT part of your free annual credit reports. You will be asked to provide credit card details, and you’ll be charged as well.

Also, do not try and look for other free services that might offer free credit reports. If you search the internet for terms such as “free credit report”, you’re likely end up with one of many imposter sites that either try to steal information from you, or charge you a fee for a service that’s free by law!

The only “Legit” site that is mandated and regulated by the government is the Annual Credit Report Request Service (www.annualcreditreport.com). It provides you with three options to obtain your free government credit report: Online, over the phone (toll free) or by mail.

If you choose the online options you will get instant access to your credit report. You’ll also be able to download and save your report.

You also have a choice to get a combined report from all 3 major credit bureaus (also called 3 in 1 credit report), or you can choose to order a credit report from just one or two CRA.

See Free Government Credit Report for more details and information regarding your free credit report government and an important personal information scams warning.