Because of the COVID pandemic, each week, you’re able to access AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain three free credit reports (one from each of the three major credit bureaus, which are Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). The three bureaus initially intended to provide the service until April of 2021, but it was extended to April 20, 2022.
Although there are many sites that offer free credit reports, beware that some sites engage in deceptive practices, which include misleading consumers by having site names and URLs similar to AnnualCreditReport.com. You’re encouraged to visit the government’s FTC (Federal Trade Commission) website to confirm the official URL of the only site authorized to provide these specific reports. The FTC also maintains a blog post with updates on the deadline to receive free reports provided throughout the pandemic.
Whether requesting your free reports online, by phone, or by mail, your credit score will not be provided. When requesting your reports online, the bureaus typically attempt to encourage you to purchase your credit score. Be sure to select the appropriate option when requesting your reports so that you aren’t charged for unwanted services.
Additional Free Credit Reports
Before the three bureaus started providing free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com, you could request your free reports just once every 12 months through the same site (hence the site name).
In addition, if any of the below situations applied, you could (and still can) request your free credit reports on each bureau’s website:
- Within the past 60 days, you were denied for credit, employment, insurance, or any other benefit, because of information in your credit file. This also applies if unfavorable action (such as a higher interest rate) was taken because of the info in your credit file.
- You are unemployed and will be seeking employment within 60 days
- You applied for or are receiving public assistance, such as food stamps
- You believe that you are a victim of fraud or identity theft
- You have a fraud alert in your credit file
- Your state offers a free or reduced-price credit report