How To Get Your Credit Report for Free in 2024
You can get free credit reports from all three major bureaus every week through AnnualCreditReport.com. Your credit report shows detailed account history but doesn't include your actual credit score. Regular monitoring helps you catch errors and build stronger credit over time.
Build Credit NowYour credit report shapes major life decisions. It affects whether you qualify for a car loan or apartment. Monitoring your credit report protects your financial stability. You have three simple ways to request your free credit report.
How Do You Get a Free Credit Report?
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for the fastest option. The federal government authorizes this website for free credit reports.
Ready to Improve Your Credit Score?
After reviewing your credit report, take action to build stronger credit. Start improving your score today with simple monthly payments and real-time tracking.
Start Building CreditYou can also request your report by phone or mail. Call 877-322-8228 to request by phone. For mail requests, complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form. Mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Accessible Options for Getting Your Credit Report
Blind, low vision, or print disabled consumers have full access. Free annual credit reports come in Braille, large print, or audio formats. Expect delivery within three weeks.
Call 877-322-8228 to request an accessible format. You’ll verify your identity with personal information. You’ll confirm eligibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Then choose your preferred format.
Deaf or hard of hearing consumers should dial 7-1-1. Ask the Relay Operator to connect you to 1-800-821-7232.
What Are the 3 Major Credit Bureaus?
Three credit reporting agencies track consumer credit in America:
- TransUnion
- Equifax
- Experian
Federal law requires all three bureaus to provide free credit reports.
You can pull one free report from each agency weekly. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request yours. Reports don’t arrive automatically. You must request them.
Does Your Credit Report Show Your Credit Score?
No. Your credit report functions like a transcript. Your credit score works like a report card.
Your credit report displays detailed credit history information. Each credit bureau maintains its own report about you. Review all three reports and compare the information.
Your credit report includes:
- Personal identification information
- Credit accounts with limits and loan amounts (tradelines)
- Account status (current, late, or delinquent)
- Credit application and inquiry history
- Public records affecting creditworthiness (bankruptcies, foreclosures, tax liens)
Your credit score appears as a number between 300 and 850. FICO uses this range for most lending decisions. VantageScore offers a slightly different scale.
How Do You Get Your Credit Score?
Credit reports don’t include your credit score. Many banks now offer free credit score services. Check if your bank or credit card company provides this benefit.
Paid services also track your credit score over time. MyFICO offers both free and paid tracking options.
Know which credit score you’re viewing. Free scores from banks differ from lender scores. Two scoring systems exist: FICO and VantageScore. Each system uses multiple formulas with different variables.
Free services show your general credit score category. They reveal how your score changes over time. Our partner Kikoff helps you build credit with simple monthly payments. You’ll see progress as your credit score improves.