Quick answer: Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, the only site authorized by federal law. You can request free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and the bureaus currently allow free access weekly rather than once a year.
Key Takeaways
- AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally authorized free source
- Reports from all three bureaus are available weekly
- Reports show history, not a score
- Dispute errors directly with the bureau
Why the official site matters
Many look-alike sites charge fees or enroll you in monitoring subscriptions. AnnualCreditReport.com is run jointly by the three bureaus under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and does not require a credit card.
How to request
- Visit AnnualCreditReport.com and click “Request your free credit reports.”
- Enter your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
- Choose one or all three bureaus.
- Answer identity verification questions for each bureau.
- View, download, or print each report.
What to look for
- Accounts you do not recognize
- Late payments you believe were on time
- Wrong balances or credit limits
- Addresses or employers you never had
- Hard inquiries you did not authorize
Credit report vs. credit score
The free reports show your account history but not a score. Many banks and card issuers show a free FICO or VantageScore in their apps. Scores from different sources vary slightly because they use different models.
How to dispute an error
File a dispute online with the bureau that shows the error, attach documentation, and the bureau must generally investigate within 30 days. Also notify the lender that reported the information.
FAQ
Does checking my own report lower my score? No. Personal checks are soft inquiries and do not affect scores.
Can I get reports by mail or phone? Yes: call 877-322-8228 or mail the request form available on the site.
Why do the three reports differ? Not every lender reports to all three bureaus, so each report can contain different accounts.
Sources
Last updated: August 15, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.