How do I go to annualcreditreport.com?

This is the only federally authorized website for free credit reports. Do not use other websites that may charge you.

How do I request your reports?

Click "Request your free credit reports" and enter your personal information.

How do I answer security questions?

Provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Answer security questions based on your credit history.

How do I choose which bureaus to check?

Select Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — or stagger checks throughout the year for ongoing monitoring.

How do I review each report carefully?

Look for unrecognized accounts, incorrect details, and inaccurate payment history. Any of these could be errors or identity theft.

How do I dispute any errors?

Use each bureau's online dispute process. They must investigate within 30 days and correct verified errors.

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Your credit report is a detailed record of your borrowing and payment history. Lenders, landlords, and even some employers check it to make decisions about you. Reviewing your report regularly helps you catch errors and spot signs of identity theft early.

Federal law guarantees a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and since 2023 you can get free reports every week. The only federally authorized website is annualcreditreport.com. Beware of lookalike sites that charge fees.

Go to annualcreditreport.com and click "Request your free credit reports." Provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth, then answer security questions based on your credit history.

Choose which reports to view — you can request all three at once or stagger them throughout the year for ongoing monitoring. When reviewing, check for accounts you do not recognize, incorrect personal information, late payments that were made on time, and accounts that should be closed.

If you find an error, you have the right to dispute it. Each bureau has an online dispute process and must investigate within 30 days.

Your credit report does NOT include your credit score. The report is free; the score is sometimes sold separately. However, many banks and credit card companies now show your score for free in their app.