Check Your Credit Report

A U.S. Public Interest Research Group study found that 25% of consumer credit reports contained errors serious enough to lead to a denial of credit.

If you are on the western third of the United States, you can request your annual credit report right now. The western third was able to start requesting on December 1, 2004. The midwest can start requesting credit reports on March 1. The southern states can request credit reports on June 1. Finally the eastern states and all U.S. territories can request credit reports on September 1.

The FACT Act amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to request one free credit file disclosure in a 12-month period. You can request a free report at AnnualCreditReport.com or call toll free (877) FACT-ACT. The site also has a map so you can look to see where your state is, and when you can request your free report.

If you want to check your credit report and your state doesn't have free credit reports yet, you can check them at the three consumer credit agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for a fee of around $10.