4. How can I get a copy of my credit report?

Credit reports are available from a variety of sources, most conveniently through the Internet. Often you can purchase useful tools along with the report that can give you insight into your creditworthiness. Unless you get a report for consumer use, the report may not include all of the information in your credit history or provide instructions to dispute information you believe is inaccurate.

To request your personal credit report from Experian, call 888 EXPERIAN (888 397 3742) or visit www.experian.com.

Experian needs the following information:

• Full name (including generation, such as Jr., Dr., III)
• Current and previous addresses (for a five-year period) with ZIP Codes.
• Social Security number
• Date of birth

There are three sources for a consumer credit report:

• Consumers may request one free report every 12 months. For more information, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Third-party services specialize in offering consumer reports and associated services. Fees vary.
• Credit reporting companies provide reports:
• At no charge, when your request for credit, insurance, employment or rental housing is denied or other adverse action is taken based on information received from Experian, if you contact us within 60 days of the denial. The company that declined your credit application or took adverse action will provide in writing the name of the credit reporting agency that provided your credit report and how to contact the company for a copy.
• At no charge, if you are unemployed and seeking employment, receive public welfare assistance or believe your credit file contains inaccuracies resulting from fraud.
• Additional reports cost $9.50, plus tax, except in the following states:
• California: $8
• Colorado: No charge for one copy each year; $8 for additional copies
• Connecticut: $5.30 for one copy each year; $7.95 for additional copies
• Georgia: No charge for two copies each year; $9.50 for additional copies
• Hawaii: $9.88
• Maine: No charge for your first copy each 12-month period; $5 for additional copies
• Maryland: No charge for one copy each 12-month period; $5.25 for additional copies
• Massachusetts: No charge for one copy each year; $8 for additional copies
• Minnesota: $3
• New Jersey: No charge for one copy each year; $8 for additional copies
• New Mexico: $9.98
• New York: $10.28
• Pennsylvania: $10.17
• South Carolina: $9.98
• South Dakota: $10.07
• Texas: $10.28
• Vermont: No charge for your first copy each 12-month period; $7.50 for additional copies
• Washington, D.C.: $10.05
• West Virginia: $10.07