To get a copy of your credit report, you must contact the three credit agencies. Because different merchants and card issuers use different bureaus, you may have a record with each of them. But it might not have the same information.

If you have been turned down for credit, employment or insurance recently, you are entitled to a free report. Include the rejection letter with your request. You might start with one of the three bureaus and then contact the others only if there is negative information on your first report.

P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, Ga. 30374
1-800-685-1111
You can order by phone with your credit card from Equifax. The cost in most states is $8. Call the 800 number to see if your state is an exception.

P.O. Box 390
Springfield, Pa. 19064-0390
316-636-6100
Cost: $8 plus tax where applicable.
Be sure to include your full name, your Social Security number, date of birth, spouse's name, addresses for the past five years and then sign and date your request.

To get details on how to order a report, call 1-800-682-7654.