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How to Get Your Free Credit Report for Oklahoma City Residents

By , About.com Guide

Thanks to recent amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Oklahoma consumers are now entitled to a free copy of their credit report every 12 months. Unfortunately, many still don't know about this right and miss out on an important opportunity to check their credit report for errors. Mistakes or outdated information can cost you a loan or even worse. Checking it frequently just makes good financial sense.

Here are the instructions on how to get yours.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Minutes

Here's How:

  1. Gather Your Information: You can check your credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) in several ways, but each of them will require your basic information. Make sure, if you haven't already committed them to memory, you have your Social Security number (for the application) and any financial account information (to cross check with the reports). If you have moved in the last two years, have your previous address.

  2. Decide Application Method: Credit reports are available online through AnnualCreditReport.com. Any information you enter is completely secure. You receive your report immediately when applying online.

    You may also order your report by calling (877) 322-8228 or by mailing a request to:

    Annual Credit Report Request Service
    PO Box 105281
    Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

    These requests typically take 2-3 weeks.

  3. Review Your Report Thoroughly: Even minor mistakes can prove costly. Check to make sure old accounts are no longer active, current accounts are correct and all of your information has been correctly reported.

  4. Address Any Mistakes: Problems must be handled with the reporting agency. Here is the contact information for each:
    • Equifax
      PO Box 740256
      Atlanta, GA 30374
      (800) 797-7033

    • Experian
      NCAC
      PO Box 9595
      Allen, TX 75013
      (800) 583-4080

    • TransUnion
      PO Box 200
      Chester, PA 19022-2000
      (800) 916-8800
  5. Check Your Report Every 12 Months: There's really no reason not to. Make yourself a note or do it every year at the same time. In a world of identity theft and the importance of one's credit score, checking your credit report is vital.

Tips:

  1. ONLY order from this official source. Legitimate credit reporting companies will never call you or e-mail you asking for your personal information. If you receive an e-mail promising a free credit report, delete it.
  2. Any suspicious requests such as those mentioned in Tip 1 should be reported to the Attorney General's Office. The Consumer Protection Unit can be reached at (405) 521-2029.
  3. Don't contact the credit reporting agencies directly to receive your report. Use only one of the three application methods mentioned above.

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