When you apply for a new credit card, loan or extension of credit, the potential lender will most likely check your credit report before making a decision. You should too. Check your credit report several weeks or even months prior to making a large credit purchase.
- View your credit accounts and total debt — both existing balances and available limits.
- Budget and plan for the future.
- Ensure the accuracy of the information reported about your credit. This is especially important when you're getting ready to buy an expensive item such as a car or a new home.
Correcting Errors on Your Credit Report
Federal law allows consumers to challenge inaccuracies and correct their credit files, and Experian® encourages consumers to dispute any information they believe is incorrect. There is no fee. If you believe there is an error on your report, dispute it online for fast resolution. We will verify your dispute with the source of the data and receive a response within 30 days. Once we receive the response, Experian will send you the results of our investigation.
Qualifying for Discounted or Free Credit Reports
You may be eligible to receive a discounted or free credit report if you meet one of the following conditions:
- Your request for credit, insurance, employment or rental housing was denied based on information received from Experian, and you contact us within 60 days of the denial.
- "Adverse action" was taken against you based on information in your credit report (for example, your interest rate was raised or your credit limit was decreased). The name of the credit reporting agency that provided your credit report and how to contact the agency for a copy will be provided by the company that declined your credit application or took adverse action.
- You reside in a state where laws require credit reporting agencies to provide their residents with a free or discounted report each year even if they are not denied credit.
- You certify in writing that you are unemployed and seeking employment or receive public welfare assistance.
- You have reason to believe your credit file contains inaccuracies resulting from fraud.
To confirm your eligibility and request your free or discounted copy of your credit report delivered by U.S. mail, please call 1 866 200 6020.
You can also check your free credit report directly from Experian at any time.
Fees
There is a nominal fee for additional reports if you already have received a free report under the FACT Act or do not meet the criteria for a free report, as described above. Some state laws provide free reports or reduced prices for their residents. Correct pricing for your state will be provided when you request your Experian credit report.