Can a CRA charge consumers for accessing their file under the FCRA?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers are entitled to access their credit report at no cost under certain conditions. Specifically, consumers can obtain a free copy of their credit report once a year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Additionally, if a consumer is denied credit or experiences other adverse actions based on their credit report, they are entitled to a free copy upon request.

This provision is designed to promote transparency and allow consumers to review their credit information for errors or fraudulent activity without incurring any charges. The law ensures that access to one's credit report is a right, aiding consumers in maintaining accurate information about their creditworthiness. Therefore, the assertion that it must be free aligns with the core principles of consumer rights established by the FCRA.