How to Receive a Free Credit Report
Consumers can receive a free annual credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. While other sites may promise a free credit report, some may require purchasing additional services or may sign you up for a paid service that you may need to actively cancel to avoid being charged.
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only authorized source for the free annual credit report that's yours by law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to your credit report for free from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion - every 12 months.
What to Look for in Your Credit Report
If you see accounts you don't recognize, unauthorized activity, or information that is inaccurate, contact the credit reporting agency and the information provider. For more information, read the FTC's tips on how to dispute credit errors.
If you suspect identity theft, you may need to place a fraud alert on your credit report, close compromised accounts, file a complaint with the FTC, or file a police report. Start by visiting the FTC's identity theft website.
Your Credit Score
Your credit score is an important reflection of your financial health. Long a staple in establishing credit and insurance rates, credit scores are increasingly being used by everyone from potential employers to landlords to evaluate stability and financial health.
It's a good idea to monitor your credit score on a regular basis to make sure that the information is accurate. You can also verify that no one has stolen your identity to make fraudulent charges.