Experian, TransUnion and Equifax now offer all U.S. consumers free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.
The national credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—each have their own processes and procedures, so the best way to contact them can differ. All offer multiple ways to access your credit information, tools for protecting your credit reports from fraud and identity theft, and methods to address inaccuracies in your report if you find any. Here's a rundown on how to reach each bureau for a variety of purposes.
How to Contact Experian
For a Copy of Your Credit Report
You are legally entitled to get a free copy of your credit report weekly from each credit bureau. You can download and print copies of your reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, or request copies by mail. Experian credit reports are also available at Experian.com or by calling 888-397-3742.
If you'd like additional copies of your Experian credit report within a 12-month timespan, you can get an updated report every 30 days for free by enrolling in a free Experian membership. You'll also get access to credit monitoring, which alerts you whenever there's new activity on your Experian credit report.
For Your Credit Score
You can get your FICO® Score☉ based on data in your Experian credit report free from Experian.com. Each score comes with a list of score risk factors, specific to your credit history, that can help explain why you received the score you did and how you might improve your score over time.
For a General Inquiry
For general consumer information from Experian, you can do any of the following:
- Visit the Experian Contact Us webpage for links to a number of information and communication options.
- Use the messaging function on the Experian Facebook page or Twitter.
- Call Experian's National Consumer Assistance Center at 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742).
For a Dispute
If you believe inaccurate information has been recorded in your Experian credit report, you can visit the Experian Dispute Center to file a dispute. The Dispute Center lets you initiate a dispute electronically, enables you to upload scanned documents in support of your dispute and provides updates on pending disputes. The Dispute Center also provides information and printable forms you can use to file a dispute through the mail. You can also call to file a dispute using the number on their credit report or 888-EXPERIAN.
For a Security Freeze
If you've been a victim of credit fraud or other forms of identity theft, or if you believe your personal information has been stolen or exposed, you can request a security freeze (also known as a credit freeze), which limits access to your Experian credit report. This can be done through the Experian Freeze Center, where you'll also find instructions for removing a credit freeze, suspending (or "thawing") a freeze temporarily and for giving a lender one-time access to your credit report. (Just remember that a credit freeze also limits authorized access to your credit reports, so you must provide access or undo the freeze if you apply for a loan, credit card or other form of credit that requires a credit check.)
For a Fraud Alert
A fraud alert notifies organizations viewing your credit report that someone may be using your information fraudulently and requests that they take steps to verify your identity before processing a loan or credit application. You can request a fraud alert for free with Experian.
Like a security freeze, a fraud alert is a tool to help prevent a fraudster from being able to open a new credit account in your name, but it is less restrictive and often more convenient for individuals who are actively seeking credit. Unlike a security freeze, a fraud alert will expire on its own (after one year or seven years, depending on the type of alert) unless you extend it. If you place a fraud alert on your credit report at one credit bureau, it will automatically be applied at all three bureaus. Removing fraud alerts before they expire requires contacting each bureau separately.
How to Contact TransUnion
The TransUnion Consumer Support webpage contains links to pages you can use to request a copy of your TransUnion credit report, file a dispute to correct inaccurate information in your TransUnion credit report, and set up and manage security freezes or fraud alerts.
TransUnion also offers general consumer assistance by phone at 833-395-6938.
How to Contact Equifax
The Equifax Online Self-Service portal provides information on obtaining a credit report, disputing inaccuracies in your Equifax credit report, and managing fraud alerts and security freezes. It also provides links to downloadable forms you can use to request those services by postal mail.
You can also reach Equifax customer service by phone at 888-EQUIFAX (888-378-4329).
The Bottom Line
As custodians of your credit data, the national credit bureaus make themselves available and responsive to consumers. If you have questions or concerns about the information in your credit reports, or if you know or suspect your personal data has been compromised, it's important to reach out to the credit bureaus to learn more about protecting yourself and your credit.