If you are planning to finance a home loan, car loan, tuition, or obtain a credit line, the having a good credit score may mean the difference between being approved or denied, or the interest rate you receive.

The first step to maintaining a good personal credit rating is to find out where you stand. Doing this is easy, because your credit report(s) can be obtained for free directly from the major credit reporting agencies.

There are several methods to receive your personal credit report – some are free, other provide monthly updates for a small fee.

If you are interested in regular credit report scoring and monitoring while you work to improve and manage your personal credit, click here.

Free Credit Report From the Major Credit Bureaus

An free annual credit report is authorized by the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act [612(a)(1)]  [15 U.S.C. § 1681j]

An free annual credit report is authorized by Texas Business and Commerce Code [Title 2, Section 20.03]

Get your free credit report directly from the major credit bureaus, including Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.

Texas State and Federal laws require that all credit reporting agencies provide one (1) free copy of a consumer’s credit report at least once a year. If you have not yet requested a copy of your personal credit profile with the major credit bureaus, you can do so by following the link below.

The following link to AnnualCreditReport.com will take you to a third party web site sponsored by the major credit bureaus. You will be required to enter your personal information. Be assured that all of the information you enter is secured with 128-bit encryption via an SSL certificate.

Click here to obtain your complimentary, free  yearly credit report directly from credit bureaus

Obtaining a Free Annual Credit Report by Mail

All consumer credit reporting agencies (not just the three well known ones) are required by Federal and Texas State laws to provide a yearly credit report for free. Some do not have electronic delivery, but they are still required to provide your personal credit information. You may request your personal information from any credit reporting agency by sending a certified letter to the bureau that includes:

  • Your First and Last Name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Current Mailing Address
  • Previous Mail Address
  • Include a specific request for your free annual credit report

*Do not send any other information in this initial request for identity security reasons. If the credit reporting agency requires any additional information, they will contact you by mail.

By law, the credit reporting agency will provide all of the details pertaining to your personal credit profile within fifteen (15) days of receiving your request.

Special Cases for Obtaining Your Credit Report

There are a variety of instances in which the consumer can receive a free copy of their credit report, including but not limited to:

  • Requesting the personal credit report in the event that fraud is suspected
  • Receiving a free copy forty five (45) days after a security alert has been added to the account
  • Receiving a free copy of the credit report if any adverse action was taken against the consumer, such as being denied for a loan or employment as a result of information on the credit report.

To request a credit report for one of these reasons, include your explanation of why the report is requested along with :

  • Your First and Last Name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Current Mailing Address
  • Previous Mail Address

Send this request by certified mail to the consumer reporting agency in question.

Monitor Your Credit Report for Updates and Improved Credit Scores

If you are working to fix, improve or manage your personal credit rating using the Big Tex Credit Repair Program, then being alerted to changes to your credit score and other updates can help you to reach your goals. Without knowing where you stand, it’s impossible to know where to go next.

Click here to learn more about regular credit report updates, credit monitoring and credit scores.

15 U.S.C. § 1681j]