Your credit report shows your credit history, including how you handle money and pay your bills. It can affect whether you qualify for a job, an apartment, a credit card, or a loan. Checking your credit report regularly is important, and you can do it for free. It also gives you the opportunity to correct any mistakes.
Your credit report includes information like:
The three nationwide credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—each keep a credit report about you.
Businesses review your credit report to help them decide whether to approve:
They also use this information to determine how much interest you will pay when you borrow money.
It is important to check your credit report so you know what is being reported about you. If something is incorrect, you can take steps to fix it. If the information is accurate but not ideal, you can work on improving your credit over time.
Learn more about how to improve your credit by visiting Improving Your Credit.
The three major credit bureaus let you access your credit report for free online once a week. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
You are also entitled to one free credit report each year from each bureau. You can request it online at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
Check your credit report carefully. Make sure your name, address, accounts, and payment history are accurate. Also look for any credit applications or accounts you do not recognize.
If you find a mistake:
The credit bureau is required to investigate and must send you the results in writing.
If you see information that does not belong to you, it could also be a sign of identity theft.
Information provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Learn more at consumer.gov.
