Writing a Credit Report Request Letter (with Samples)
Use these sample credit report request letters as templates for your formal request letter.
Last updated on June 15th, 2022
The credit report is a file that is kept on each individual that shows their personal credit history. It expresses to prospective creditors, property-owners and occasionally employers how you take care of your financial obligations. Currently, there are 3 major credit bureaus in the United States that keeps a file on each individual.
The bureaus are:
Copy of Credit Report
Everyone has the ability to request a copy of your credit report by putting the request in writing. When you call the bureaus, they will just ask you to either send a letter or go online to get a copy of the credit report.
The letter must provide specific information so that the agency can quickly identify your recognize and verify you are the person who is owner of this file.
The bureaus are:
Copy of Credit Report
Everyone has the ability to request a copy of your credit report by putting the request in writing. When you call the bureaus, they will just ask you to either send a letter or go online to get a copy of the credit report.
The letter must provide specific information so that the agency can quickly identify your recognize and verify you are the person who is owner of this file.
Because of so much identify theft that is an epidemic; you must be able to provide some information that proves who you are to get a copy of the report.
It is always wise to know what is on your credit report. Accessing the credit report can be helpful when applying for any type of loan or taking out a line of credit. The credit report can change frequently and should be monitored, not to mention can be a target for identity theft.
Catch Any Issues
Some recommend checking the report at least once per year, but others say that it should be done monthly to catch any potential issues immediately.
Anyone who has been recently denied credit can request a copy of their credit bureaus by putting the request in writing. The request letter also include some sort of verification. A letter must be attached outlining the request and why you are requesting the letter.
Start the request letter with the date and always put this on the left side of the letter. Address the letter with either a "To whom it may concern" or use the term "Dear Sir or Madam."
Since there is no way of knowing who will be receiving the letter, generalities are best here. Next, it is important to clearly state that you want a copy of your credit report and why.
It is always wise to know what is on your credit report. Accessing the credit report can be helpful when applying for any type of loan or taking out a line of credit. The credit report can change frequently and should be monitored, not to mention can be a target for identity theft.
Catch Any Issues
Some recommend checking the report at least once per year, but others say that it should be done monthly to catch any potential issues immediately.
Anyone who has been recently denied credit can request a copy of their credit bureaus by putting the request in writing. The request letter also include some sort of verification. A letter must be attached outlining the request and why you are requesting the letter.
Start the request letter with the date and always put this on the left side of the letter. Address the letter with either a "To whom it may concern" or use the term "Dear Sir or Madam."
Since there is no way of knowing who will be receiving the letter, generalities are best here. Next, it is important to clearly state that you want a copy of your credit report and why.
Denied Credit
Those that have been denied credit need to make sure to state that the credit was who denied you and what the date was. The bureau will be able to quickly access this file to verify your statement.
Those who have not received a denial of credit still can get a copy of their credit report once per year from the bureaus. If a free annual report is requested, also make this known in the letter.
Those that have been denied credit need to make sure to state that the credit was who denied you and what the date was. The bureau will be able to quickly access this file to verify your statement.
Those who have not received a denial of credit still can get a copy of their credit report once per year from the bureaus. If a free annual report is requested, also make this known in the letter.
It is very important to put your full name, as well as the social security number and the current address. If you have moved in the past six months, make sure to clearly state the old address at the file may or may not be updated yet.
If you are required to pay for your report, make sure to include a check to cover the costs of the report. Be polite and friendly, but always make sure to state clearly what is needed so that there is no confusion. Here is a sample of how this letter should properly be written.
If you are required to pay for your report, make sure to include a check to cover the costs of the report. Be polite and friendly, but always make sure to state clearly what is needed so that there is no confusion. Here is a sample of how this letter should properly be written.
Sample 1 - Credit Report Request Letter
The current mailing addresses for consumer correspondence of the three main credit bureaus can be found on their websites. Here is a sample credit report request letter. The letter should be sent by certified mail, so the consumer has proof of the time and date the letter was sent and received.
The bureau must respond within 45 days of the date they receive the letter. If they don’t, the consumer should call them directly. This is especially important if the request is being made within a certain time limit. Any enclosures should be copies only, and no original documents should be sent.
Credit Report Request Letter Sample
DATE
Name of Credit Bureau
Address of Credit Bureau
City, State, Zip Code
To Whom It May Concern:
I understand that it is my right to obtain a copy of my credit report once per year under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. I have reason to believe that there is information in my report that is not accurate and I wish to verify these discrepancies.
I have also been denied credit by NAME OF CAR DEALERSHIP on DATE. To the best of my understanding, there should have been nothing to prevent me from purchasing a new car. I need to review my report to ensure the information obtained within is accurate.
I know that your company will need some sort of verification to prove my identity. My social security number is 298-76-5498 and my current address is ADDRESS.
I have also attached a copy of my driver’s license which has my current address and social security number clearly printed on it. I would appreciate your prompt attention on this matter.
Sincerely,
Signature of Consumer
Name of Consumer Printed
List of enclosures
Sample 2 - Credit Bureau Report Request Letter
It is a good idea for the consumer to ask an outside person to read the letter. If they don’t find it clear, the credit reporting agency may not either.
Credit Bureau Report Request Letter Sample
Credit Bureau Report
Name of Consumer
Address of Consumer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Credit Bureau
Address of Credit Bureau
City, State, Zip Code
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to request a copy of my credit report. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), I have the right to a free copy of my credit report every year.
I would like to check my report because I believe it contains inaccurate information that has hampered my ability to buy a new car. I was denied credit from NAME OF CAR DEALERSHIP on DATE because of my low credit rating. As far as I know, my credit rating should be high.
To verify my identity I include my social security number, 123-45-6789, and a copy of my current driver’s license. My current address is as above, and my previous address is ADDRESS. I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at Nam[email protected]. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Signature of Consumer
Name of Consumer Printed
List of enclosures
By Andre Bradley
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