Authorizes a free credit report for consumers once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion through the Free Credit Reporting Act. Additionally, users can check their credit report on the website once a week. Credit reports include identifying information and information about a consumer's credit history. The information can affect someone's chance to get a job, rent or buy a place to live, and buy insurance. Credit bureaus sell the information in your report to businesses that use it to decide whether to loan money, give credit, offer insurance, or rent a home. Consumers who review their credit report regularly can help protect their credit history from errors and spot signs of identity theft. A credit report is available before 12 months if the consumer gets a notice saying their application for credit, employment, insurance, or other benefit has been denied, or another unfavorable action has been taken based on information in their credit report. Ask for your report within 60 days of getting the notice.