FTC announced that starting from December, residents of western states can request free credit reports from any of the three consumer reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion once every twelve months. The program will gradually rolled out to midwest in March 2005 and to east in June 2005.
The 3 bereau report is currently selling at $34.95 at Experian and $29.95 at both Equifax and TransUnion. By making it free, this new policy will help to promote more personal credit awareness.
As described in the announcement, the annual free reports will be accessible via web site, toll-free number and postal address. The reports will not be sent to consumer immediately; it is only free upon request.
The official press release is available here.