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The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (F.A.C.T. Act) signed into law on December 1, 2003 gives all Americans the right to check their credit report annually for free.  Beginning March 1, 2005 Ohio consumers may request a free annual credit report.  We feel it is important for you to receive your free annual credit report.  Check it for errors and follow the helpful tips below to improve your overall credit rating. You may request your free annual credit report on the internet at www.AnnualCreditReport.com, by telephone at 1-877-322-8228 (1-877-FACTACT), or complete an Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA  30348-5281.

Having a clean credit report is vital.  Negative information in your credit report will lower your credit score, which can be reviewed by lenders, insurers, landlords and even potential employers.  With a low credit score you will be more likely to:
    ●be offered lower credit limits
    ●pay higher rates on the credit you have
    ●be denied future credit

What can you do to have a healthy credit score?

●Pay your bills on time. Responsibly paying your bills and repaying your loans is important to having a good credit rating.
●Pay at least the minimum. Failing to pay at least the minimum amount required could cause your accounts to be marked past due, and that will make it less likely for lenders to view you as a worthwhile credit risk.
●Keep your overall debt low. Creditors and lenders will view your very cautiously if they see your already have a lot of debt.  They will be far less likely to offer you favorable limits and the lowest rates.
●Limit your total number of credit cards. Owning too many credit cards is unwise.  Lenders will look at how far into debt you may potentially find yourself if you get into trouble and "max-out" your credit limits.
●Check your credit report for errors. When you receive your free report, check it right away for mistakes.  Make sure all the accounts on the report are yours.  Also check to see if there are any reports of late payments that you disagree with.  Finally, look for information about credit cards you have forgotten about and would like to cancel.

For questions regarding your credit report, contact any of the three following credit reporting agencies:

Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA  30374
800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX  75013
888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
www.experian.com

Trans Union
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA  19022
800-916-8800
www.transunion.com