Free credit report: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion extend free weekly updates until 2022

Equifax, Experian, TransUnion have announced they will continue to offer free weekly credit reports until after Tax Day 2022 to help Americans keep track of their financial health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Access to financial information and records on a more frequent basis helps people plan for their future while also taking care of the present,” said Equifax CEO Mark W. Begor, Experian CEO Brian Cassin and Transunion CEO Chris Cartwright in a joint statement last week. “We strive to make credit more accessible and available to people every day and we hope continuing to make free credit reports available each week is helpful to consumers.”

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Equifax, Experian, TransUnion announced they will stretch free weekly credit reports until the next year in efforts to help Americans keep track of their financial health. (Photo: Getty Images)

Previously, Americans were entitled to one free credit report from each agency per year.

Amid the economic setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bureaus began offering weekly reports for a one-year period, totaling to 156 free credit reports over 12 months.

Credit reports provide an overview of an individual’s bill payment history, current debt, and other financial data that is used by lenders when considering mortgage, credit card and auto loan applications and determining what interest rate to offer.

“For consumers, ensuring that one’s credit remains in good standing during this time goes beyond paying mortgages, auto loans, credit card bills and other financial obligations each month,” the statement noted.

The agencies recommend that consumers review each section of their credit report, including name and contact information as well as current and closed accounts and derogatory information like collections, which can drag down their scores.

If you find an error in one of your three reports, contact that credit reporting agency to initiate a dispute of that information. To obtain weekly credit reports, users can access www.annualcreditreport.com.

Follow Coral Murphy on Twitter @CoralMerfi

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