With the increasing importance of credit in our society today comes the growing importance of knowing your own credit history. Free credit reports can now be obtained from many different agencies and can be used to benefit those requesting them in several ways.
Anyone who tells you that credit isn’t important is either pulling your leg or has run off the deep end. A good credit history opens financial doors that may be closed to those with a less than perfect credit history. Past mistakes don’t mean that you’re forever doomed, though. There is hope for individuals of all types of credit histories. Requesting a free credit report can let you know where you stand and may give you tips on how to improve your credit.
You are eligible to get a copy of your own credit report if . . .
- If you have been denied credit, employment, or insurance within the last 60 days, you can take the written proof of your denial and mail it to the credit bureaus, requesting a free report.
- If you have been charged higher rates and fees based on a credit report issued by a credit bureau, you have the right to get a free copy from that bureau.
- If you are unemployed and aim to seek employment within the next 60 days, you can certify this in writing for the credit bureau.
- If you are on welfare.
- If you write to say you were a victim of fraud.
- Some states have laws requiring the bureaus to provide one free credit report per year.
- You can also order your own free credit report online at any time.
You may benefit from requesting a free credit report by knowing and understanding your financial security to a greater degree. It also may help you protect yourself from identity fraud, one of the fastest growing crimes in the US. It can also help you verify that you have been given honest rates of interest on loans, and that there are no errors on your credit report.
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