Credit Request Letter Template

Remaining on top of your credit health is crucial, and obtaining your free annual credit report is a key step in this process. Stay informed about your credit history. Federal law ensures you can do so at no cost. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

To help you access this vital information, we provide a comprehensive guide detailing “How to request” your free annual credit report.

1. Online: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com and download your report from each of the three bureaus.
2. Phone: Call 1-877-322-8228 to order your report over the phone.
3. Mail: Send a written request to the Annual Credit Report Request Service.

The fastest and most convenient way to request your credit report is online.

Here’s how:

1. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com:
   • This is the only official site authorized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for free credit reports.
   • Follow the prompts to request your report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
2. Verify Your Identity:
   • You will be asked to answer security questions based on your credit history.
3. Receive Your Report:
   • Once verified, you can view and download your credit reports immediately.

Another quick option is to request your credit report by phone. This method is straightforward and convenient for those who prefer speaking to a representative.

Here’s how:

1. Call the Annual Credit Report Request Service:
   • Dial 1-877-322-8228.
2. Provide Your Information:
   • You will be asked to provide your personal information, including your Social Security Number and address.
3. Verify Your Identity:
   • Answer security questions based on your credit history.
4. Receive Your Report:
• Your credit report will be mailed to you within 15 days of your request.

Requesting your credit report by mail involves sending a formal letter along with necessary identification documents to each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This method is secure and reliable, though it may take longer compared to other options.

This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions for requesting your free annual credit report via mail option, including a detailed request letter template, identity verification requirements, and mailing options.

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Address – Use the correct address for Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion] ** See below**

[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Request for Free Annual Credit Report under FCRA

I am writing to request my free annual credit report as entitled under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Section 612(a). Please provide a comprehensive copy of my credit report to the address listed above.

For verification purposes, I am providing the following information:

Full Legal Name: [Your Full Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
Social Security Number: [Your Social Security Number]
Current Address: [Your Current Address]
Previous Address (if applicable within past 2 years): [Your Previous Address]

Enclosed with this letter, you will find:
1. A completed Annual Credit Report Request Form
2. A copy of my primary identification document: [Specify type, e.g., Driver’s License]
3. A copy of my secondary identification document: [Specify type, e.g., Utility Bill]

If you require any additional information or documentation to process this request, please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

To ensure your request is processed smoothly, it is essential to provide sufficient documentation to verify your identity. Include at least two documents: one primary and one secondary form of identification.

Primary Documents (Best for Verifying Identity):

• Government-Issued Photo ID:
  Driver’s License
  State ID Card
  Passport
• Social Security Card (must show full name and Social Security Number)

Secondary Documents (Acceptable):

• Proof of Address:
  Utility Bill (e.g., electricity, water, gas)
  Bank or Credit Union Statement
  Lease or Mortgage Agreement
  Insurance Statement (e.g., home, auto)
  Pay Stub with name and address
• Birth Certificate (official copy)
• W-2 or Pay Stub (must show full name and Social Security Number)

 
Recommended Document Combinations:

• Driver’s License + Utility Bill
• Passport + Bank Statement
• State ID Card + Lease Agreement

Steps to Verify Your Identity:

1. Prepare Your Primary Document:
   Make a clear, legible copy of your government-issued photo ID
2. Prepare Your Secondary Document:
   Make a clear, legible copy of a document showing your current address
3. Ensure Consistency:
   The name and address on your documents should match the information in your request letter and form
4. Check Document Validity:
   Ensure documents are current and not expired
   For proof of address, use recent statements or bills (within the last 2-3 months)

1. Download the official Annual Credit Report Request Form from AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
3. Prepare clear, legible copies of your primary and secondary identification documents.
4. Customize the provided letter template with your personal information.
5. Sign and date the letter.
6. Assemble your request package:
Completed Annual Credit Report Request Form
Customized request letter
Copies of primary and secondary identification documents
7. Choose your preferred mailing option (see table below).
8. Address the envelope to the appropriate credit bureau.
9. Mail your complete request package.

• Standard Mail: Most economical, suitable for non-urgent requests.
• Certified Mail: Provides proof of mailing and delivery, ideal for record-keeping.
• Priority Mail: Balances speed and cost, with tracking included.
• Express Mail: Fastest USPS option, best for time-sensitive requests.
• Courier Services: Offer the highest level of service, speed, and tracking detail.

Consider your timeline, budget, and need for tracking when selecting a mailing option.

TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016