Guide to Reviewing Your Free Annual Credit Report

The major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax—are mandated by law to provide consumers with a free yearly credit report. You can request all three reports at once or choose to obtain them separately based on your preference. Requesting all three simultaneously allows for cross-comparison and verification of information, but it also means you won't be eligible for another free report until the following year. Spacing out your requests enables continuous monitoring of your credit details over time.

Once you receive your reports, review them carefully for accuracy. Focus on:

• Personal Details: Confirm your social security number, date of birth, employment address, and status are correct.
• Credit Inquiries: Check who has reviewed your credit in the last two years. Hard inquiries—by lenders or landlords—should be accurate.
• Credit Accounts: Verify information about your bank accounts, loans, credit limits, balances, and history.
• Public Records: Look for any mentions of bankruptcies, foreclosures, or legal actions.
• Account History: Review your payment history and status of all credit accounts, including real estate and revolving credit.

If you find any inaccuracies, contact the credit bureau or the creditor involved to dispute the data. Submit a written explanation, prompting an investigation. After review, the bureau will update your report if errors are confirmed. Use this service to detect identity theft—report any suspicious activity to authorities. If your request is denied, verify your information or correct errors on your application. Accessing your free report is a crucial step toward strengthening your financial health.