Get your free credit reports and read them

1. Use the only official site

   Type AnnualCreditReport.com yourself. It's the only website authorized by federal law to give your free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can also call 1-877-322-8228.

2. Know how often it's free

   You can check each bureau's report free every week. Checking your own report doesn't hurt your credit score, and you don't need a card or a subscription.

3. Read it, section by section

   • Your details: name, addresses and employers should all be yours.
   • Accounts: every card and loan listed should be one you opened.
   • Hard inquiries: companies that checked your credit when you applied for something.
   • Collections and public records: look for debts you don't recognize.

4. Fix mistakes

   If something is wrong, dispute it with the bureau that shows it, on that bureau's official website. Accounts you never opened can be a sign of identity theft; report it at IdentityTheft.gov.

5. Lock it down for free

   A credit freeze is free and stops new accounts being opened in your name. See Credit freeze, explained.

6. Avoid look-alike sites

   ⚠️ Careful: Other sites offer "free credit reports" to sell you monitoring or collect your information, and some misspell the real name. AnnualCreditReport.com and the bureaus won't email you asking for your Social Security number. Real free programs never ask for your card or bank details to give you something free, never pressure you with a countdown, and never come from a random text, pop-up or caller. Go to the official website yourself instead of tapping a link.

Compare at a glance

🔎 Why we trust this: The FTC names AnnualCreditReport.com as the only site authorized by federal law for free reports, and confirmed weekly reports are permanent.