Where to get your reports
Use AnnualCreditReport.com. Avoid websites that imply they are the official federal source but require a paid membership before showing a report. Identity verification questions may ask about addresses or accounts from your history.
Review the reports in a practical order
Start with personal information, then examine open accounts, closed accounts, collections, public records and hard inquiries. Compare the account status, balance, payment history, credit limit and important dates across Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A difference is not automatically an error; creditors do not always report to every bureau.
Common errors worth investigating
Look for accounts you do not recognize, payments reported late when they were on time, duplicate collections, incorrect balances, mixed files belonging to someone with a similar name, and negative information that appears older than the permitted reporting period. Save statements, letters and payment confirmations that support your position.
What to do when something is wrong
Dispute the specific item with the bureau showing it and with the company that supplied the data. State exactly what is inaccurate, request the correct outcome and attach copies of evidence. Keep submission confirmations and every response. Accurate negative information generally cannot be removed merely because it lowers a score.
How often to review
Check before applying for a mortgage or auto loan, after suspected identity theft, and after a creditor promises a correction. Monitoring can help you notice later changes, but it does not replace reviewing the underlying reports.
Continue with credit score ranges, credit bureau disputes, mortgage score requirements and what to know before paying for credit repair.
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