Can consumers request additional credit reports beyond the federally mandated one free annual report?

Can consumers request additional credit reports beyond the federally mandated one free annual report?

• A. Yes, but it must be for a valid reason
• B. Yes, but they generally must pay a fee
• C. No, they are only entitled to one report
• D. Only if they are denied credit

Answer: (B)

Consumers have the right to request additional credit reports beyond the one free annual report mandated by federal law. Typically, these additional reports will come at a cost. This option recognizes that while the law requires credit bureaus to provide one free report each year, consumers can still obtain more reports if they need them, especially if they are actively managing their credit, planning to make major purchases, or monitoring for signs of identity theft. The fee for these additional reports varies among credit reporting agencies, but they are generally not prohibitively expensive. The other choices reflect misunderstandings of consumers' rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. While it is indeed true that consumers are entitled to additional reports under specific circumstances, such as if they are denied credit or experience adverse actions, such conditions do not limit a consumer's ability to receive more reports at a fee.

Consumers have the right to request additional credit reports beyond the one free annual report mandated by federal law. Typically, these additional reports will come at a cost. This option recognizes that while the law requires credit bureaus to provide one free report each year, consumers can still obtain more reports if they need them, especially if they are actively managing their credit, planning to make major purchases, or monitoring for signs of identity theft. The fee for these additional reports varies among credit reporting agencies, but they are generally not prohibitively expensive.

The other choices reflect misunderstandings of consumers' rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. While it is indeed true that consumers are entitled to additional reports under specific circumstances, such as if they are denied credit or experience adverse actions, such conditions do not limit a consumer's ability to receive more reports at a fee.