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Reviewing your credit report often allows you to be proactive about your financial health and address any inaccuracies early. You can get a free copy of your report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
- The three major credit bureaus are required by law to provide you with one free copy of your credit report per year.
- In late 2023, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion committed to providing free weekly credit reports to consumers.
- You can obtain your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com, the only government-mandated credit reporting website.
- Checking your credit report at least a few times per year is wise, as it allows you to stay on top of potential inaccurate information impacting your score.
Your credit report is a peek into your financial health. Monitoring the information in your report closely allows you to detect errors, such as misreported information and identity theft, early.
Keep in mind that your credit score and your credit report are two different items, and you should pay attention to both. While your credit score is a numerical evaluation of your financial health at a glance, your credit report contains the finer details within your credit history. Your credit report will not provide you with a credit score.
Obtaining Your Credit Report
The three main credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — are required by law to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report once per year. You can, however, check your reports more often.
As of late 2023, all three credit bureaus have committed to offering free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. This service was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help consumers protect their financial health amidst hardship. It’s now solidified as an ongoing offering to empower consumers to regularly review their credit history.
Using AnnualCreditReport.com
The only government-mandated credit reporting website is AnnualCreditReport.com. You can receive credit reports elsewhere, but it’s best to start here.
When you arrive to the site, follow these steps to access your report:
Request Your Report
Click “Request Yours Now!” to begin the process. You can also click “Request your free credit reports,” as it will bring you to the same page.
Complete The Form
On the next screen, click “Request your credit reports.” Then, complete the form that appears. You’ll need information like your:
- Name
- Birthday
- Social Security Number
- Address
Choose The Report You’d Like
On the following screen, you’ll be asked to select which bureau you’d like to receive reports from. You can select one, two, or all three.
In the past, it was wise to space out requests for reports from different bureaus. That way, you could get a picture of your credit history at different points throughout the year, without going over the limit of free credit reports per year.
Now, with access to free weekly reports from each bureau, this isn’t a concern. However, some may still prefer to request them at different times, rather than all at once.
If you are planning for a big purchase, it’s wise to request all three. That way, you have the clearest financial picture possible before making a major financial move. Otherwise, reviewing just one report will suffice.
Review Your Report
Your credit report will appear on the following screen. Review the information presented for accuracy. Pay close attention to your personal information and any hard inquiries on your account. If anything appears incorrect, file a dispute.
Other Verified Platforms
You can retrieve credit reports from other platforms, although they may come with unnecessary upsells.
CreditWise By Capital One
CreditWise is a free service provided by Capital One that allows you to view your credit score and credit report directly within your Capital One account. It also offers a credit simulator to show you how everyday decisions may impact your score.
Experian
Experian offers free credit monitoring, complete with real-time alerts when key changes like inquiries and new accounts occur. You’ll also receive free FICO score tracking and an updated credit report every 30 days.
myEquifax
myEquifax provides you with free Equifax credit reports, fraud alerts, and credit monitoring.
Understanding The Report
Credit reports contain a ton of information, including:
- Types of credit accounts you’ve had
- Payment history
- Personal information, like name and date of birth
- Soft inquiries
- Hard inquiries
If the information appears accurate, you’re in good shape. However, if you notice anything inaccurate — like a hard inquiry you didn’t initiate or a credit account you didn’t open — it may be a sign of identity theft or a reporting error. Within most credit reporting websites, you’ll have the option to dispute the error directly within the platform.
Avoid Scams And Upsells
Credit scams run rampant, so it’s best to stick to the official, government-mandated credit reporting websites whenever possible. Some of the most common signs of a scam are:
- Pressuring you to pay up-front fees
- Promising to remove negative information from your credit report
- Suggesting you dispute correct information in your report
- Refusing to explain your rights to you
- Telling you to not contact credit reporting agencies
Even reputable platforms may encourage you to upgrade to a paid service, although they typically aren’t necessary. If you’re diligent about reviewing your credit reports, you can look for errors on your own, without paying for a service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Often Should I Check My Credit Report?
You can check your credit report weekly through AnnualCreditReport.com, but checking it that often isn’t necessary for most people. Once per month or quarter will suffice.
That said, if you’re making a significant financial decision, like applying for a mortgage, it’s wise to receive copies of all three credit reports beforehand. This allows you to address any potential incorrect information before applying for the line of credit.
What Is The Most Accurate Credit Score?
Around 90% of top lenders use FICO scores. While all scores are technically accurate, your FICO score will be the most widely used score by lenders you work with.
How Can I Check My Credit Score Without Consequences?
Checking your own credit score causes a soft inquiry, which doesn’t impact your score. Your score is only impacted when you conduct a hard inquiry, which occurs when you apply for a new line of credit.
What Are The Benefits Of Monitoring Your Report?
Checking your credit report frequently can help you spot inaccuracies and potential identity theft early. The earlier you’re able to address these errors, the sooner you can find a resolution and repair your score.
Find out more
- Boosting Your Credit Profile – Unveil the key factors that can raise or lower your credit score.
- Targeting an Excellent Credit Score – Strategies to achieve and maintain an excellent credit score.
- Safeguarding Your Financial Reputation – Protect your financial identity with effective credit monitoring.
- Comprehensive Credit Repair – A complete guide to understanding and utilizing credit repair.
- Credit Score Recovery Path – From the bottom to the top: turning around the lowest credit score.
- Investing in Your Credit – Analyze the investment required for effective credit repair.
- Refreshing Your Credit History – Ensure your credit history accurately reflects your current situation.
- Smart Choices in Credit Repair – Make informed decisions when choosing a credit repair provider.
