How often can you obtain a free copy of your credit report from the three main credit agencies?

You can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three main credit agencies—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—once a year. This regulation is part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which was designed to help consumers manage their credit health and protect against identity theft. By allowing one free report per year from each agency, individuals can check their credit history for accuracy, ensure there are no unauthorized accounts, and stay informed about their credit status.

The other options suggest more frequent availability of free reports than is permitted under federal law, thereby creating the risk of misunderstanding the regulations governing credit reporting. Understanding the once-a-year timeline allows consumers to better manage their credit checks for monitoring and planning purposes.