Reviewing your credit report is an important step in protecting your financial health. Your credit report shows your credit history, including accounts, payment history, balances, collections, and other financial information. Checking it regularly can help you catch errors or signs of identity theft.

You can get a free copy of your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the official website for free credit reports. You can also request your reports by calling 877-322-8228.

What to Look For

When reviewing your credit report, look for:

• Accounts you do not recognize
• Incorrect balances
• Payments marked late that were paid on time
• Accounts listed more than once
• Incorrect personal information
• Signs of identity theft

How to Dispute an Error

If you find a mistake, you have the right to dispute it with the credit bureau showing the error. You may also want to contact the company that reported the information, such as a lender, credit card company, or collection agency.

When filing a dispute, include:

• Your name and contact information
• A clear explanation of what is wrong
• The account name and number, if available
• Copies of any documents that support your dispute

Credit bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate disputes. If the information is corrected, they will provide the results and may send you an updated copy of your report.

Need Help Understanding Your Credit Report?

Credit reports can be confusing, especially if you are not sure what an account, balance, or status means. If you need help reading your credit report or understanding the next steps, reach out, and we will help you review it. 

Final Tip

Check all three credit reports, as the information may not be the same across them. If something does not look right, take action right away and keep copies of everything you send.