Credit Report

AnnualCreditReport.com

This is the only federally authorized website for obtaining free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to one free credit report from each bureau every 12 months. Since April 2020, you can also access free weekly reports online due to COVID-19-related extensions, which has become permanent.

- What It Offers:
  - Free access to your full credit reports (not just scores) from all three bureaus.
  - No requirement to sign up for paid services, subscriptions, or trials.
  - Option to request reports online, by phone (1-877-322-8228), or by mail (download the request form from the website).
- How to Use:
  - Visit annualcreditreport.com.
  - Verify your identity with personal information (e.g., Social Security number, address).
  - Choose which bureau reports to view (you can request all three at once or stagger them throughout the year).
  - Review reports for errors, fraud, or inaccuracies and dispute any issues directly with the bureaus.
- Why It’s Truly Free: There are no hidden fees, and you’re not required to provide credit card information or enroll in any services. The site is secure and managed by the three credit bureaus.
- Metrocrest Services recommends annualcreditreport.com in its financial coaching program to help residents access and understand their credit reports as part of budgeting and debt management.

Nonprofit Support for Credit Reports

Nonprofits in or accessible to the Metrocrest area guide residents to AnnualCreditReport.com and provide counseling to understand or improve credit reports:

Metrocrest Services (Local):
- Support: Their Financial Empowerment Coaching includes guidance on accessing free credit reports via annualcreditreport.com, reviewing them for errors, and using them to improve financial health. Coaches help clients interpret reports and take steps like disputing inaccuracies or reducing debt to boost credit scores.
- Contact: Phone: 972-446-2100; Website: metrocrestservices.org; Address: 1145 N. Josey Ln., Carrollton, TX 75006.
National Nonprofits (Accessible Remotely):
- GreenPath Financial Wellness (866-648-8117, greenpath.com): Offers free counseling to review credit reports from annualcreditreport.com, identify issues, and create plans to improve credit.
- Money Management International (MMI) (moneymanagement.org): Guides clients to annualcreditreport.com and helps analyze reports during counseling sessions.
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) (800-388-2227, nfcc.org): Connects clients to counselors who assist with accessing and understanding free credit reports.
- InCharge Debt Solutions (incharge.org) and Take Charge America (takechargeamerica.org): Provide similar credit report guidance and dispute support.

Websites to Avoid

Many websites claim to offer “free” credit reports but require signing up for paid services, subscriptions, or trials, which can lead to unexpected charges. Examples include:

Credit Monitoring Services (e.g., Credit Karma, Experian, TransUnion): While some offer free credit scores or partial reports, they often push paid subscriptions for full reports or monitoring. Credit Karma provides free scores and limited report data but not the full reports available at annualcreditreport.com.
Third-Party Sites: Sites like freecreditreport.com or freecreditscore.com (often affiliated with Experian) may require enrollment in trial memberships that convert to paid subscriptions if not canceled.
Warning: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) advises avoiding sites that ask for credit card information for “free” reports, as they may not be truly free. Stick to annualcreditreport.com to avoid scams or hidden costs.

Additional Tips for Metrocrest Residents

Accessing Reports: Use annualcreditreport.com to get your free reports. To manage credit throughout the year, request one bureau’s report every four months (e.g., Equifax in January, Experian in May, TransUnion in September).
Review with Nonprofits: Contact Metrocrest Services (972-446-2100) for free coaching to review your credit report and address issues like errors or high debt. Their coaches can guide you to consumerfinance.gov for dispute instructions.
Disputing Errors: If you find inaccuracies, file disputes directly with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion via their websites or use consumerfinance.gov for guidance. Nonprofits like GreenPath or Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (214-748-1234) can assist with complex disputes, especially for low-income residents.
Protecting Credit: Metrocrest Services’ workshops and national nonprofits like NFCC offer tips on preventing identity theft, which can affect credit reports.