The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s credit reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to credit reporting companies.

In 2003, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) was passed, allowing every consumer access to an annual free credit report.  You're entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. AnnualCreditReport.com, referenced on the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information website, is a highly regarded, non-biased source for free credit reports and related information.