Check Your Credit Reports for Free
Reviewing your credit reports can help you catch errors, identify suspicious accounts, and spot possible identity theft before more damage occurs.
You can request free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through the official federally authorized website.
Why check your credit reports?
Your credit reports contain information about your credit accounts, payment history, and outstanding balances. Lenders and other organizations may use this information when reviewing applications for credit, housing, insurance, or employment.
Checking your reports regularly can help you:
Catch errors
Look for incorrect balances, payment information, addresses, or accounts that don't belong to you.
Spot identity theft
An unfamiliar account, inquiry, or address may be a sign that someone is using your personal information.
Prepare to borrow
Review your reports before applying for a mortgage, auto loan, credit card, or other financing.
How to get your free credit reports
1. Visit the official website
Go directly to AnnualCreditReport.com. It is the only website authorized by federal law to provide you free credit reports.
2. Confirm your identity
You may be asked for information such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Each credit bureau may also ask questions only you should be able to answer.
Choose your reports
Request reports from:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
The information may differ between the three bureaus, so it is important to review each report.
4. Review your information
Check account names, balances, payment history, addresses, and credit inquiries. Report anything you do not recognize.
What should you look for?
Pay close attention to:
- Accounts you did not open
- Credit inquiries you do not recognize
- Incorrect balances or payment history
- Addresses where you have never lived
- Incorrect personal information
- Accounts incorrectly listed as late or delinquent
- Closed accounts reported as open
Finding unfamiliar information does not always mean identity theft occurred, but it should be investigated.
Avoid fake “free credit report” websites
Be cautious of websites, advertisements, emails, or phone calls offering a “free” credit report or credit scores.
Some services may:
- Require a paid subscription
- Enroll you in credit monitoring
- Collect personal information
- Use web addresses that look similar to the official website
Type AnnualCreditReport.com directly into your browser instead of clicking an unexpected link.
AnnualCreditReport.com and the credit bureaus will not send unsolicited emails asking you to provide your Social Security number or account information.
Find something that does not look right?
Contact the credit bureau that issued the report and the company that provided the incorrect information.
If you believe someone is using your personal information Visit IdentityTheft.gov
IdentityTheft.gov can help you report identity theft and create a personalized recovery plan.
You can also learn more through FVSBank’s Identity Theft resources: Learn about Identity Theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnnualCreditReport.com really free?
Yes. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by federal law to provide the free credit reports you are entitled to receive.
How often can I check my credit reports?
Free online credit reports are currently available weekly from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Does checking my own credit report hurt my credit score?
No. Reviewing your own credit report is considered a soft inquiry and does not lower your credit score.
Is a credit report the same as a credit score?
No. A credit report contains information about your credit history. A credit score is a number calculated using information from a credit report.
Should I check all three credit reports?
Yes. Creditors may not report information to every credit bureau, so each report may contain different information.
What should I do if I find an error?
Contact both the credit bureau showing the error and the business that supplied the information. Explain what is incorrect and include supporting documentation when available.