The information in your free credit report shows you a record of your credit. But what you don't
see and may not realize, is that you also have rights which help make sure your credit report is
complete, accurate and maintained responsibly. And if you find any problems in your free credit
report, you need to follow the proper steps to keep your rights protected.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act establishes the rules which credit bureaus and creditors must
follow when dealing with your credit report.
You must be told if someone uses your credit report against you
If a creditor denies you credit because of information in your credit report, the creditor must
give you the name, address and telephone number of the bureau that supplied the report.
You can get a copy of your credit report
You have the right to get your credit report from a credit bureau. Usually you have to pay a
small fee but you can get a free credit report if you've been denied credit within the last 60
days because of information in it.
You can dispute information in your credit report
If there's an error or omission in your credit report, you have the right to have the credit
bureau investigate the item. Usually within 30 days the bureau must either verify the disputed
item or remove it. Upon completion of its investigation, the credit bureau must send you its
results. If there's a change to your report, the bureau must also send you a free credit report.
If the disputed item is verified or not resolved to your satisfaction, you have the right to
include a 100-word statement about the item in your credit report.
Disputed information must be identified
When you're disputing some report information, if the creditor discusses the item
with anyone, he must say it's in dispute.
There are reporting limits for credit information
Most information recorded in your free credit report is included for no more than 7 years except
for bankruptcies which can remain for 10 years.
Access to your credit report is limited
Only those with a "legitimate business need" or government requirement may get a copy of your
credit report. Your consent is required if the report request is from an employer or your report
contains medical information.
To get your free credit report and free 30 days of credit monitoring, please go to
free instant credit reports.
