The following post is from the K-State Research and Extension Family Finances Team. Learn more at https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/.
“The three big nationwide providers of consumer credit reports are Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Throughout the Check Your Credit program, you can request your credit report from the three companies in any order you’d like to. For this “Check Your Credit Report” day, we suggest you request your credit report from Experian.
To learn more about requesting your free credit reports, including what information you’ll need to provide to request your report, steering clear of imposter sites, and correcting errors in your credit report, go to www.ftc.gov and find the Take Action section in the middle of the page. Then, select “Get Your Free Credit Report.”
From there, navigate to annualcreditreport.com, the only gateway to the free annual credit reports. Alternatively, you can call 1-877-322-8228 or request your credit report by mail.
Complete instructions for getting started are at the annualcreditreport.com link. Experts recommend that you fact-check your credit reports at least once each year for accuracy and completeness. It is also wise to check your reports if you plan to obtain a mortgage, a car loan, or apply for credit in the near future. Also, as we know, data breaches happen. If you are concerned about identity theft, checking your reports regularly and placing a security freeze that blocks third-part access to your credit data are two actions that you can take.
During these times of COVID-19, accessing your credit is important. That’s why Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are now offering free weekly online reports through April 2021.
We are excited to support you as you take action to secure your financial well-being. Don’t hesitate to contact your local K-State Research and Extension Office if you have any questions. Find your local office here.”
Remember students can also request a free meeting with Powercat Financial if you’d like help getting or reviewing your credit report via the link at www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial.
Powercat Financial
powercatfinancial@ksu.edu
www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial
