by Elaine Thigpen

Created on: January 10, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

There are three credit bureaus that obtain information about you. The three credit bureaus are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. It is best to get a copy of your credit report from all three of them every year. They will have the same information, but may differ slightly.

There are a few ways to obtain your first credit report - 1) The internet if you have access to a computer; 2) Write them a request; or 3) Call them requesting a copy.

Credit Bureau Contact Information

Experian

Address: NCAC, PO Box 9556, Allen, Texas 75013

Phone: 1-888-493-1058

Website: www.experian.com

Equifax

Address: Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc., PO Box 740241, Atlanta, Georgia 30374

Phone: 1-800-685-1111

Website: www.equifax.com

TransUnion

Address: TransUnion Consumer Relations, PO Box 2000, Chester, Pennsylvania 19022-2000

Phone: 1-800-916-8800

Website: www.transunion.com

Online Method

When you are online there is a website you can go to and get a copy of your report by just typing your information one time instead of three, it is www.annualcreditreport.com. If you choose to go to each website and get your credit report, that is fine too. Then print out the full report.

Writing Method

In the letter, include your name, address both current and former, social security number and a copy of documents for identification of you and your address. You only need to choose one document from each category. Proof of identity - social security card, paystub with social security number or W2 form. Proof of address driver's license, rental or lease agreement/house deed, pay stub with address, or utility bill. Make sure that the documents are legible.

Telephone Method

When you call your credit bureaus they will ask you security questions to prove your identity. Then they may or may not ask you to put the request in writing. They will tell you exactly what they need from you, which usually will be the information stated above in writing method. If that is the situation, then once they receive your written request they will mail out your credit report. Otherwise, they will just mail it out to you.

Credit Report Received

Now that you have your credit report, look at it very carefully. When I say "look at it carefully" I mean take your time going through line by line. By taking your time you can easily locate any errors. Errors can be spelling error, incorrect address, or numbers reversed or incorrect.

Finding Errors

Once you find any errors make notes about the error on the report itself in pencil. If you choose you can write it on a separate paper. Go to the website of the credit report you are working on. If you are working on Experian go to that website not Equifax or TransUnion. There will be a link to dispute errors on your report. Fill out the information. They will provide a confirmation number for you. A good place to put the confirmation number would be on the credit report itself.

- Or -

If you choose to mail the dispute you would need to make a copy of the report, so you keep one for yourself and send in the other. Along with the credit report it would be ideal to write a letter explaining what the errors are. The letter doesn't need to be lengthy, short and to the point is good. You should receive letters of acknowledgment by mail.

Documentation

Keep records of when you did the dispute and any other contact you may have with each credit company. Make sure that you have proof if you are disputing against a company. The credit bureau may want to see proof.

www.experian.com

www.transunion.com

www.equifax.com

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