The Covid-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise. The impact on the economy and unemployment has been severe. With millions at least temporarily unemployed, financial hardship and the credit implications that could follow are a worry for many. Luckily, the three credit reporting agencies (CRAs) – Experian, Equifax, TransUnion – are providing a resource to help. 

Through April 2021 you can now request a free credit report weekly from each of the CRAs to stay on top of new reporting and dispute potential errors. 

Here’s How it Works

Free credit reports are not a new offering. In fact, according to federal law, consumers are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three CRAs. Free credit reports can also be requested for a few other reasons: if you are denied credit, employment, or insurance due to your credit (although you must make the request within 60 days of the denial), if you’re unemployed and plan to look for employment within the next 60 days, if you’re on welfare, or if you have been (or suspect you may have been) the victim of identity theft or fraud.

The difference now is you can request your reports online or through the mail weekly for free – no questions asked. Here’s what you cando to obtain your reports: 

• Step 1: Go to AnnualCreditReport.com (Beware of imposter websites )
• Step 2: Select “Request your free credit reports.” 
• Step 3: Fill in the required information and select the CRA you’d like to view your credit report from. 
• Step 4: View your report. 
• Step 5: Repeat for the remaining two CRAs.