Which method is a valid way to obtain free annual credit reports besides online access?

• A. Only through annualcreditreport.com
• B. By phone or mail as permitted
• C. Via email from the credit reporting agencies
• D. Through a paid subscription service

Answer: (B)

You can obtain a free annual credit report by requesting it by phone or by mail. If you don’t want to use the online option, the Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to contact the credit reporting agencies by phone or mail to request your report, and once your identity is verified, you’ll receive it either by mail or through a phone delivery, depending on the agency’s process. Email is not used to distribute full credit reports, and paid subscriptions aren’t free, so those options don’t fit the requirement. This method gives you access to your annual reports from the major bureaus without using the online portal.