Every American can get a free copy of their credit report from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion every week. Checking it is the easiest way to catch identity theft, fix errors that can cost you a loan, and see what lenders see. There is only one official free site, and here is how to use it.
Quick answer
- Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federally authorized site for free reports.
- You can get reports from all three bureaus every week, free; weekly access was made permanent in 2023.
- Checking your own report does not hurt your score.
- Free reports do not include your credit score.
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How to get your free credit report
- Type AnnualCreditReport.com into your browser (beware of look-alike sites).
- Click “Request your free credit reports” and enter your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number.
- Choose the bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, or all three.
- Answer security questions about your credit history.
- Download or save each report as a PDF.
- Prefer not to go online? Call 1-877-322-8228 or mail the request form found on the site.
What to check on your report
| Section | Look for |
|---|---|
| Personal information | Wrong names, addresses or employers |
| Accounts | Cards or loans you don’t recognize |
| Payment history | Late payments you didn’t make |
| Hard inquiries | Credit applications you didn’t make |
| Collections and public records | Debts that aren’t yours, or very old items |
Found a mistake? Dispute it free
File a dispute directly with the bureau that shows the error (online is fastest), and include proof. The bureau generally has 30 days to investigate. Also contact the company that reported the wrong information. If an account is fraud, report it at IdentityTheft.gov and freeze your credit.
⚠️ “Free credit report” ads on other sites often sign you up for paid monitoring. The official site never asks for a credit card.
Frequently asked questions
How often can I get a free credit report?
Every week, from each of the three bureaus, at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Does checking my credit report lower my score?
No. Checking your own report is a soft inquiry and has no effect.
Is my credit score included?
No. Many banks and card issuers show a free score in their apps.
What if I can’t verify my identity online?
Request your report by phone or mail instead.
Last reviewed: October 10, 2026. Rules and websites can change; always use the official links in this guide.
