Federal law allows consumers to access their credit reports for free from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The government’s official website, AnnualCreditReport.com, offers the fastest way to request them online, though reports can also be obtained by phone or mail. These credit reports, which were previously limited to once per year, are now available weekly to help consumers manage their financial health.
Credit reports show your credit history but do not include a credit score. Some services, like NerdWallet, offer free credit scores updated weekly using TransUnion data. Checking your score through these services does not affect your credit.
To use AnnualCreditReport.com, start by verifying that you are on the correct website. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, address, and birthdate. You can choose to request a report from one, two, or all three major bureaus. To verify your identity, you’ll be asked security questions about your financial history.
If you encounter problems answering security questions, you can request your reports by mail by sending a form to Annual Credit Report Request Service in Atlanta, Georgia, or by calling 877-322-8228. Visually impaired consumers can also request reports in accessible formats.
Once your reports are generated, you can save or print them for your records. It’s important to carefully review your reports for any errors, such as unauthorized accounts or outdated negative information. Disputes can typically be filed online, by phone, or by mail. Credit bureaus must remove information they cannot verify.
Regular monitoring of your credit reports and scores helps detect identity theft or payment issues early. While AnnualCreditReport.com provides complete credit reports from all three major bureaus, personal finance websites like NerdWallet offer free credit scores, summaries, and frequent updates based on data from one or two bureaus.
