Let’s say you just found out that there is a mistake on your credit report. Maybe a lender turned down your loan application because of a delinquency that you know isn’t right. Or maybe a landlord denied your rental application because of a late payment that you know was actually on-time. Or maybe an account that isn’t yours popped up on your credit monitoring service. Either way, your next step is to get a full copy of your credit report to figure out what caused the mistake and start the process of fixing it.
How to Get Your Credit Report for Free
You’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) every 12 months. Use the website AnnualCreditReport.com to get your free copy. This is the only website to get your free report. Beware of imposter websites.
You can also order your free report over the phone by calling (877) 322-8228 or by mail by filling out this form and mailing it to Annual Credit Report Request Service; P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348.
You can order all three reports at once, or you can stagger the reports every couple of months so that you can monitor your credit reports throughout the year. Consider using this staggering technique before you pay for a credit monitoring product.
Your credit report won't contain your credit score, but there are a couple of easy ways to get it. First, many credit cards provide your credit score on each billing statement. If you have credit cards, check your billing statements to see if your score is provided. Another way to get it is to buy it from one of the credit bureaus. You can also buy your credit score at any time from MyFICO.com. Keep in mind that your credit score may be different depending on who you buy it from.
How to Know What You’re Looking At On Your Credit Report
A credit report is not the same as a credit score. It’s a detailed history of your credit activity — and it’s what lenders use to decide whether they trust you to repay a loan or credit line. Your credit report includes:
Personal Information. Your name, addresses, Social Security number (last 4 digits), date of birth, and employment history.
Account Information. All your open and closed credit accounts — including credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and student loans. It shows balances, payment history, and whether you’ve been on time.
Public Records. Bankruptcies and possibly tax liens or judgments (though these are less common now).
Credit Inquiries. A list of companies that have recently checked your credit, either because you applied for something or through a soft pull (like when you check your own credit).
How to Read Your Credit Report Without Getting Lost
Credit reports can feel a bit technical, but here’s how to break it down:
Check for accuracy:
Is your name spelled correctly?
Are all listed addresses places you’ve actually lived?
Do all accounts belong to you?
Are the balances and payment histories accurate?
Are any accounts marked “late” when you know you paid on time?
If you’ve filed bankruptcy in the past, are there any accounts that were wiped out that still show a balance due?
Watch for red flags:
Accounts you don’t recognize (could be fraud or a mixed file)
Duplicate listings of the same debt
Collections or charge-offs that don’t belong to you
Very old debts that should’ve dropped off your report
Addresses that you never lived at (could indicate fraud or a mixed file)
What to Do If You Find an Error
If you notice anything wrong — even something small — don’t ignore it.
Errors can hurt your credit score and lead to higher interest rates, loan denials, or lost housing and job opportunities.
Start by:
Gathering proof (statements, letters, screenshots)
Sending a written dispute to the credit bureaus.
Keeping copies of everything you send
You can file disputes online, but mailing a written dispute gives you more legal protection.
Final Thoughts
Getting and reading your credit report might seem intimidating at first — but it’s one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to protect your financial future.
You have a right to a clear and accurate report, and understanding what’s on it puts you in control.