- The FTC says AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized to fill the free annual reports you are entitled to by law.
- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion each offer free weekly reports through that site, according to the FTC.
- You can also order by phone at 1-877-322-8228 or by mail. Phone and mail orders are mailed within 15 days.
- Nobody legitimate emails you asking for your Social Security number or account information to release a free report.
Where to get them
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com. The FTC states that it is the only website authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit reports you are entitled to by law, and it advises against contacting the bureaus individually to order them. Online access is immediate.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | AnnualCreditReport.com. You can view the report right away. |
| Phone | 1-877-322-8228 (toll-free). Orders are processed and mailed within 15 days. |
| Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and send it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. |
How often you can check
By law you can get one free report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide bureaus. The FTC adds that Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have permanently extended a program that makes free weekly reports available through AnnualCreditReport.com. That means you can look at your reports far more often than once a year, which helps if you are watching for a mistake or for signs of identity theft.
Other reasons you may get a free report
The FTC lists several situations that qualify you for an additional free copy:
- A company took adverse action against you, such as denying credit, based on your report. Ask within 60 days of the notice.
- You are unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days.
- You receive public assistance.
- You suspect fraud or identity theft, or a fraud alert is on your file.
If you find a mistake
The FTC says to contact the credit bureaus and the business that supplied the information. Our guide on how to dispute an error on your credit report walks through that, using the CFPB’s steps. Banks also check separate reports about how people used checking accounts; see why you were denied a checking account.
Scam warning
The FTC says AnnualCreditReport.com and the credit bureaus will not email you asking for your Social Security number or account information. Do not respond to messages that claim to come from them. Type the address yourself instead of following a link.
Bureau phone numbers
These numbers appear on the FTC page for buying copies or raising disputes. They are not the numbers for free annual reports.
| Bureau | Phone |
|---|---|
| Equifax | 1-800-685-1111 |
| Experian | 1-888-397-3742 |
| TransUnion | 1-888-909-8872 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the official website for free credit reports?
AnnualCreditReport.com. The FTC says it is the only website authorized to fill the free annual credit reports you are entitled to by law.
Are free weekly credit reports still available?
The FTC says Equifax, Experian and TransUnion offer free weekly reports through AnnualCreditReport.com under a program they permanently extended.
How long does a report ordered by phone or mail take?
The FTC says phone and mail orders are processed and mailed within 15 days. Online access is immediate.
Does checking my own report hurt my score?
The pages we read do not address score effects, so this guide makes no claim about it.
Can I get a free report after a credit denial?
Yes. The FTC lists an adverse action notice as a reason, and you should ask within 60 days of receiving the notice.
Sources
- FTC: Free credit reports (page dated June 2026)
- CFPB: How do I dispute an error on my credit report? (last reviewed September 2, 2026)
Each source was opened and read on October 26, 2026. See how we verify.