According to the Federal Law passed in 2005, everyone in UK is eligible to receive one free credit report annually from each credit bureau. You can check your credit history and safeguard your credit score at zero cost. Let me show you some simple steps to obtain your credit file on complimentary basis.
Step 1: Go to the official website of Annual Credit Report organization
Why do you need to go to this particular website? Seriously speaking, for security purpose, you are advised not to request your credit file from other parties. In UK, the Annual Credit Report website is the only authorized online source where the consumers can access their file for free under the Federal Law. Hence, you should not go direct to the credit reporting agencies if you want to get a copy of your file for free.
Step 2: Fill up the online form
Go to the website and fill up the online form carefully. You are required to provide your full name, address, social security number and the date of birth.
Step 3: Decide how many reports you wish to receive
Once you have provided your personal details, you should then decide whether you want to receive your report from one, two or three credit bureaus. In my personal point of view, you should request from all bureaus since you can get all reports for free. At the same time, you can check whether the details shown in all files are the same and there is no mistake.
Step 4: Print your online report
Once you have made your selection, a screen will appear allowing you to immediately print your report. Here is an important reminder for you. You MUST PRINT your report. If you don't print at this time, you will lose your eligibility for a free file until next year.
If you are not internet savvy, don't worry. You are recommended to contact this organization at 1-877-322-8228 to request for your free credit report. The officers who attend the call normally require the callers to answer some simple questions for verification purpose. Once they have identified the callers' personal details, they will deliver the reports to the callers within two to three weeks.
When you have received your credit report, you are reminded to read and check it for accuracy. Make sure all the information is updated. If you find any inaccurate item, you must make your report to the credit bureau immediately.
Now, what if you need your report again a few months later? Can you still obtain it for free? It depends on the situation. If you are currently unemployed and you are receiving unemployment benefits or public assistance, you are still eligible to get your credit file at no cost. However, if you don't fall under this category, you need to pay the reporting agencies for each report you need.
To sum up, everyone is entitled for a free report every year. You will only be required to pay for the report under certain unusual circumstances.
For more information about free credit score check, visit http://www.CreditReportUK.co.uk/Free.html
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