Ordering a Copy of your Credit Report Online
Whilst it is not possible to view all of the contents of your credit reports online, it certainly is more than possible to order a copy through the internet, and have the file sent to your residential address.
These days, many online companies offer competitive credit report delivery - often combining services with other providers so that you are able to get your hands on all three of your credit reports, without having to apply to each credit reporting agency individually.
But is it safe to order it on the internet? And what safeguards are in place to protect your identity and to ensure that no one else is able to request your report, without your permission?
Internet Safeguards for Credit Reports
When you request a copy of your credit information through the internet, there are a number of safeguards in place which will protect your identity and information. Some of these include:
- Double identity protection (mail and online).
- Access through your registered postal address only.
- Only one report able to be access per 6 months.
The final point there is an interesting one, and something which many people think is a function of a credit reporting agency being "cheap" rather than protective. In actual fact, the real reason why you are only able to get a single copy of your credit reports from each of the main providers per half year is to minimize the chances of fraud occurring on your file.
Of course - this is a free copy. It is quite possible to request extra copies of you credit reports, if you are willing to pay for them.
How Much Do Credit Reports Cost?
When it comes to putting an accurate price on a credit report, it really is a very difficult task. That's because at any one time, there might be hundreds of offers available to people - providing the services of third party credit report requesters, and of course credit packages such as monitoring services and advice combined with the credit report itself.
Each of these different offers alters the price of the credit report, so overall; you should expect to pay between $5 and $20 for an extra copy.
