Get Your Credit Report
Order Online, Over The Phone, or By Mail
Beware of sites that ask for account usernames or passwords!
To get your report online:
Go to www.annualcreditreport.com and follow the instructions.
Be ready to provide your:
- name
- address
- Social Security number
- date of birth.
You may also be asked for other information to help identify yourself, such as a previous address or the name of a bank that gave you a car loan.
To order by phone, call 1-877-322-8228 and ask for your free annual credit report.
To order by mail, fill out and return an Annual Credit Report Request Form.
7 Steps to a Better Credit Score
Create the Profile – and Habits – That Lenders Like
- Check Your Credit Report for errors – errors are not uncommon – then clear them up with the credit reporting agency.
- Set up an automated payment plan. High levels of debt and missed payments destroy your score. So set up a plan to automatically pay down debt and make on-time payments. See How to Pay Down Debt & How to Move Money From Spending To Savings.
- Pay your balance in full by the “due date.” If you pay during the “grace period,” your balance on the due date shows up on your credit report.
- Pay off debts at debt collectors. Records of debts in collection remain on your report for seven years. But after seven years they’re off.
- Don’t close unused accounts (longevity with a card is good) and don’t get new cards you don’t need (having more available credit is bad).
- To get credit, or re-establish credit, start with one card and pay all bills on time.
- If you’re having trouble, contact your creditor or a legitimate credit counselor.
It's Worth the Effort
A Better Score Can Significantly Improve Your Prospects
On a $100,000 mortgage, the difference between an average and excellent credit history can easily add up to $50/month, or $20,000 in interest payments over 30 years.
If you like, print out this How-To and put reminders in your calendar to help you move from How-To to Done!
