How Do I Get a Copy of My Equifax Credit Report?

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers are entitled to access their Equifax credit reports free of charge and to challenge any incorrect information they may find. Equifax, as a “consumer reporting agency” under the law, must provide a complimentary report annually. This ensures you can review your credit details once a year at no cost and address any discrepancies caused by Equifax. Additionally, several circumstances may qualify you for a free credit report. If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, feel free to contact us for further guidance.

Order Your Equifax Credit Report by Mail

Even though it may seem more convenient and quicker to order over the web, you should only order your Equifax report by mail. Consumers who order over the web are subject to risks that mail requests don’t have. (Check our posts on Ordering Your Report and Ordering Your Report by Phone) Most importantly, when you order by mail, you should use a delivery verification service like “registered mail” or “return receipt request” so that you have proof of mailing to request to Equifax and that Equifax received a copy of the request. This will ensure that you have proof of the request if Equifax refuses to send the report. If you need help with your mail request for your Equifax credit report, you can email us through this site.

Include Proper Identification

Consumers often face challenges when attempting to obtain a credit report from Equifax, with one of the most frequent issues being the rejection of requests due to insufficient identification. Federal regulations permit credit bureaus to deny access if there’s a reasonable suspicion that the request may be fraudulent. However, Equifax has previously faced legal action, including a class-action lawsuit, for allegedly overusing this provision to withhold reports improperly. Given that these reports can take up to 30 days to process, submitting all required identification upfront can help expedite the process and allow you to address any disputes sooner.

To avoid delays, it’s recommended to include the following documentation with your request:

• Government-Issued Photo Identification (such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card).
• A Recent Bank or Credit Card Statement showing your current address.
• Your Social Security Card.
• A Utility Bill (e.g., for phone, gas, cable, or electricity services) listing your current address.

Providing this information proactively reduces the likelihood of Equifax rejecting your request due to identification issues. For assistance in drafting request letters, refer to our available templates and examples to streamline the process.

Contact Lyngklip & Associates Today

The bottom line is that if you require assistance obtaining an Equifax credit report, please don’t hesitate to contact Lyngklip & Associates for a free consultation today.