If you are turned down for credit, can you still get a free credit report? If so, how do I go about getting one?

If you have been turned down for credit, denied insurance, denied a job, denied an apartment, or denied any other benefit based on your credit report in the last 60 days, you are entitled to a free credit report.

It is the responsibility of the company that denied you the credit to give you what's called an "adverse action" letter (sometimes called a "letter of declination.") That letter should indicate the credit reporting agency (or agencies) that they used, and the reason you were declined. The letter should provide you the toll free phone number and address of the credit reporting agency, so you can request your credit report.

If just Experian, for example, was the credit bureau providing the credit report, then Trans Union and Equifax don't have to give you a free credit report - because they were not involved. It's also possible that the credit report was provided by a local affiliate credit bureau, which may have a different phone number than the "national" Experian, Equifax, or Trans Union. This is why you are supposed to get the phone number from the company that denied you the credit.

Failing the above, you can try these credit bureau phone numbers (and addresses.) Or, if you are in a hurry, you can get your credit report online for just a few dollars, or even free.

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