Now is a good time to check your credit report more often. Learn how to get free credit reports on a weekly basis.

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, many Americans are feeling uncertain about their financial future. In response to widespread financial hardship, the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — are giving consumers the ability to access their credit reports for free on a weekly basis until April 2021.

While most experts recommend checking your credit report at least annually, it’s a good idea to check your credit score and credit report more often, especially during times of financial hardship. The more frequently you review your credit report, the easier it will be to identify issues such as inaccurately reported missed payments, inaccurate information, or fraudulent activity.

How To Access Your Free Weekly Credit Report

You can request your weekly free credit reports from all three credit bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com. Ensure you’re on the official website authorized by Federal law, before sharing any personal information. Note that weekly free credit reports cannot be requested directly from the three major credit bureaus.

In order to get your credit reports, you’ll need to supply your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You may also be asked to answer additional questions, such as the name(s) of current or previous creditors. These questions are designed to verify your identity and safeguard your personal information.

You can also request printed copies of your credit report by telephone or mail.

To get your free credit report by phone:

• Dial 1-877-322-8228
• Answer a few questions to your identity

To get your free credit report by mail:

• Download, print, and complete the official request form
• Mail your completed form to:
  Annual Credit Report Request Service
  P.O. Box 105281
  Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

You can expect to receive your credit reports by mail within 15 days from the date your request is received. Remember, you will need to repeat this process for each credit report you wish to receive. Visit the official website for more information or additional guidance.

Reviewing Your Weekly Credit Report

Once you’ve received your free credit reports, take time to review them closely and look for any inaccuracies.

• Verify that your personal information is correct. If any of your credit reports feature unknown addresses, contact the credit bureau immediately for more information, as this could potentially indicate identity theft.
• Review your accounts. Make sure that all of the accounts listed belong to you, and that your payment history is accurate and up to date. Check for signs of fraud, such as accounts you don’t recognize.

If you find an error — an account that doesn’t belong to you or inaccurate information, for example — file a dispute with the financial institution the account is with and the reporting credit agency. The FTC offers a free sample dispute letter you can use for this purpose.

If You’re Experiencing Hardship

Whether you’ve recently lost a source of income or are struggling to make ends meet, remember that you’re not alone. While it may be tempting to ignore the problem, being proactive can help make a huge difference in how much this hardship impacts your long-term financial health. Start by reviewing your budget and making adjustments. If you find yourself unable to make ends meet, these tips for what to do when you can’t pay a bill can help you come up with a plan of action.

For more tips on building and understanding your credit, check out our Credit Basics podcast series.