Free credit reports available to consumers

As of Sept. 1, all U.S. consumers are able to order free copies of their credit reports. This is due to a new federal law, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, adopted by Congress in 2003.

All consumers should be able to order one free credit report annually from each of the nationwide credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.

Many factors influence your credit score, including: the length of time credit has been established, employment history, how much credit you are using compared with how much is available to you, your late payments, and/or bankruptcies.

Because your credit report is an important part of many credit-scoring systems, it is important to make sure it’s accurate before you submit a credit application. To get copies of your report, contact any one or more of the three major credit reporting agencies:

¢ Equifax: (800) 685-1111.

¢ Experian: (888) 397-3742.

¢ Trans Union: (800) 916-8800.