Before you start
- Your personal details and previous addresses
- Your ID number (for example a US Social Security number)
Method 1 United States
Beware of “free credit report” sites that ask for a card number; they often sign you up for paid subscriptions.
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Step 1: Go to the official site
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, the only website authorised by federal law for free reports. You can get a free report from each of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion every week.
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Step 2: Verify your identity
Enter your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number, then answer the security questions.
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Step 3: Get your score
The free reports don’t always include a score. Many banks and credit card apps show a free score, and each bureau offers free score options.
Method 2 United Kingdom
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Step 1: Use the three agencies
Your credit history is held by Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Each must give you your statutory credit report free.
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Step 2: Use free apps
Free services show your report and score from one agency each, for example Experian’s free account, ClearScore (Equifax data) and Credit Karma (TransUnion data). Check all three, because lenders may use any of them.
Method 3 Other countries
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Step 1: Find your credit bureaus
Many countries have licensed credit bureaus. Your central bank or financial regulator lists them.
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Step 2: Ask for your free report
Many countries give you at least one free report a year. Request it on the bureau’s website or app.
What to check on your report
- Personal details: name, addresses and date of birth.
- Accounts you don’t recognise, which may mean identity theft.
- Late payments or defaults that are wrong or out of date.
- Hard searches (credit applications) you didn’t make.
Troubleshooting
There’s a mistake on my report
Raise a dispute with the bureau showing the error, online or in writing, with evidence. They must investigate, usually within about 30 days. Also contact the lender that reported it.
I can’t verify my identity online
Request the report by post or phone using the instructions on the official site.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my scores different on each site?
Each bureau has slightly different data and scoring models. Focus on trends and on correcting errors rather than the exact number.
How can I improve my score?
Pay every bill on time, keep credit card balances low compared with the limit, avoid many applications in a short time, and register to vote where that’s used for identity checks.
Summary
In the US, use AnnualCreditReport.com for free weekly reports from all three bureaus. In the UK, check your Experian, Equifax and TransUnion data for free. Review each report for errors and unknown accounts, and dispute mistakes with the bureau.
