How can consumers request a free credit report annually?

Consumers can request a free credit report annually through AnnualCreditReport.com or directly from the credit reporting agencies. This method is established under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, which allows individuals to access their credit reports from the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—free of charge once every 12 months.

AnnualCreditReport.com serves as a designated, secure website where consumers can easily request their reports. Alternatively, consumers also have the option to contact each credit bureau directly if they prefer not to use the website. This process ensures that individuals can monitor their credit reports regularly for accuracy and to detect any potential identity theft or errors, promoting financial health and consumer protection.

The other options, while they may be avenues for obtaining information related to credit, do not specifically provide the guaranteed access to the free annual credit report as outlined by federal law. This clarifies the significance of the correct option in the context of consumer rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).