There are a few ways to get your free credit reports. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit reports every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- by visiting annualcreditreport.com. These reports do not include credit scores.
You can also create a myEquifax account and receive two free Equifax credit reports each year. In addition, you can click on "Get my free credit score" on your myEquifax dashboard to enroll in Equifax Core Credit™ for a free monthly Equifax credit report and a free monthly VantageScore® 3.0 credit score, based on Equifax data.
Another way you can receive a copy of your free credit report from the three major credit bureaus is if you meet one of the requirements listed below, as outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This law indicates that if you meet one of these requirements, you are entitled to one additional free copy of your credit file during any 12-month period:
- People who are unemployed and intend to apply for employment within 60 days;
- People receiving public welfare assistance;
- People who believe their consumer file contains inaccurate information due to fraud; and
- People who have been the subject of adverse action, such as denial of credit or insurance, within the past 60 days.
If any of these situations apply to you, you can request your additional free copy of a credit report from Equifax by contacting us.
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A credit score is a three-digit number, typically between 300 and 850, which is designed to represent your credit risk, or the likelihood you will pay your bills on time. In general, a higher credit score represents a higher likelihood of responsible financial habits. Credit scores are one of many factors used by lenders when determining your likelihood of paying back a loan.
Credit scores are calculated using the content of your credit report. Each of the three nationwide credit bureaus uses a slightly different method of determining your score.