People with a number of Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) They have the right to request their credit report free of charge in the United States.
The process is available at the country's three main credit agencies —Equifax, Experian and TransUnion— and is free of charge.
The ITIN is the tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to those who have tax obligations in the country but are not eligible for a social Security number (SSN).
Anyone can request it, regardless of their immigration status. And although it was created for tax purposes, major credit bureaus accept it to locate a taxpayer's credit history.
But the process for people with an ITIN is different from that for those with a SSN: the most important difference is that the report must be requested by mail, directly from each agency. The online portal annualcreditreport.com does not accept ITIN numbers.
That site, which is the only one authorized by the federal government to provide free reports, only accepts Social Security numbers (SSNs). If you try to enter an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the system rejects it.
Why is it important to know your credit history?
El credit report It is a document that records loans, payments, and debts. Banks, landlords, and employers consult it to make decisions about credit, insurance, employment, and housing.
Reviewing it regularly allows you to detect errors, identify potential cases of identity theft, and better understand your personal financial situation.
Under federal law, everyone in the United States has the right to request a free copy of their credit report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus. This right also applies to those with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)..
If you're not familiar with how the three credit bureaus in the U.S. work, you can read: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion: What are credit bureaus and how to contact them.
What documents are needed
Before submitting the application, the following documents must be gathered in copy. It is important to remember that original documents should never be sent.
- ITIN number
- Photo ID: driver's license, state ID, consular ID, passport, or military ID
- Proof of address in the applicant's name: water, electricity, gas, telephone bill, bank statement or lease agreement
- If you have been at your current address for less than two years, you must also include your previous address.
Related: How to get a personal or business loan with an ITIN Number in North Carolina
How to apply step by step
Step 1. Download the official form
The application form is available at annualcreditreport.com, in the mail application section. You can download it directly below.
You can also request it by phone at 1-877-322-8228 .
Remember that the online system only accepts Social Security numbers (SSNs). The only option available for people with ITINs is to apply by mail.
Step 2. Fill out the form
It is completed with the full name, date of birth, and current address. In the SSN field, the ITIN number is written, clearly indicating that it is an ITIN and not an SSN. This is important to avoid errors in the system.
Step 3. Choose which agencies to write to
You can request the report from all three agencies at the same time or one at a time. Doing so in stages—for example, one every four months—allows you to monitor your history throughout the year.
Step 4. Attach the documents
The envelope contains the form along with copies of your identity documents and proof of address. Do not send originals.
Step 5. Send the envelope
The envelope is sent to the address of the chosen agency:
- Equifax: PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374
- Experian: PO Box 9701, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion: PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
The report will be processed and sent to your address within 15 days of the agency receiving it. If they need additional information to verify your identity, they will also notify you by mail.
Related: Where to get help applying for an ITIN in North Carolina?
What to do if the report appears empty
For agencies to find the history, the ITIN number must be associated with a financial institution—bank, credit union, or credit card company—that reports the customer's activity. If the report arrives empty, it's not a mistake: it means there's no history yet registered under that number.
What to do if there is an error in the report
If the file is deemed inaccurate due to fraud or error, the law guarantees the right to challenge the incorrect information with the appropriate agency. It is recommended to keep a copy of everything submitted and use certified mail to have proof of delivery.
More Information
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers information in Spanish about credit rights in consumerfinance.govThe IRS has information about ITINs in Spanish at [website address]. irs.gov
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