Obtaining a Copy

• The FCRA entitles consumers to a free annual copy of their credit report from each of the three -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- major credit-reporting agencies. Obtain the copies from all three agencies at the same time, or staggered throughout the year. Other reasons you may legally obtain a free copy of the report include recent denial of credit, employment actions and insurance rates based on information found on your credit report. Enrollment in welfare, recent unemployment and inaccurate reporting information or suspicion of fraud entitles you to a free copy of your credit report. Additional copies may be obtained from a credit-reporting agency for a fee.
  
  

Credit Report Errors

• While most accurate negative information remains on a credit report for seven to 10 years, consumers retain the right to dispute reporting errors and have inaccurate information removed or changed. Credit reporting agencies and creditors investigate disputes, provide you with their findings and correct inaccurate information. If the investigation is not in your favor, you may have a note placed on your credit report stating that you dispute the information and the investigation was not resolved to your satisfaction.
  
  

Adverse Actions

• Lenders cannot deny you credit based on your gender, age, race, marital status, national origin, religion or because you receive public assistance. Creditors can deny credit based on information on your credit report, such as payment history, amounts due and ability to pay. You retain the right to know why you were denied credit. You have the right to obtain the name and contact information of the credit-reporting agency providing the information to lenders.
  
  

Creditor Access to Reports

• In most circumstances, creditors, insurance companies, employers and debt collectors must have your written permission to access your credit report. In some cases, your credit report may be accessed without permission by government agencies and current lenders, or through a court order. Credit inquiries appear on your report, listing the inquiring agency and date.