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Free Credit Report: a reality now

The 2003 Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, gives Americans the right to get a free credit report every year from the 3 major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The agencies have been phasing in the free reports region by region. See below for the schedule of free credit reports by region:
• Dec. 1, 2004: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
• March 1, 2005: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin
• June 1, 2005: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas
• Sept. 1, 2005: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and all U.S. territories
 

The new ruling does not replace the other ways to receive a free credit report. One is still entitled to a free credit report if
• He/She has been denied a loan, insurance policy or job based on your credit report;
• He/She is applying for unemployment or receive public assistance; or
• He/she currently resides in a state that already offers one or more annual free credit reports.
 

The reports will not automatically be sent out. Consumers must request their reports in one of these three ways:
• Visit www.annualcreditreport.com, which is the only authorized source for consumers to access their annual credit report online for free.
• Call toll free 877-322-8228.
• Complete the form on the back of the "Annual Credit Report Request" brochure, available from the FTC, and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta GA, 30348-5281.