Sample content — final article coming soon.
A credit report is a record of your credit accounts and payment history, kept by a credit bureau. You can request free copies of your reports from the three nationwide bureaus.
The main sections of a credit report
- Personal information, such as your name and addresses
- Accounts, with balances, limits and payment history
- Public records, such as bankruptcies
- Inquiries from companies that have requested your report
What to check
Look for accounts you do not recognize, payments marked late that you believe were on time, and personal details that are not yours. Comparing reports from all three bureaus can help, since they do not always match.
If something looks wrong
You can dispute information you believe is inaccurate directly with the credit bureau that reports it. Keep copies of any documents you send and any responses you receive.
Accurate information can generally remain on a report for the period allowed by law.
Sources
- AnnualCreditReport.com: official source for free credit reports
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: credit reports, scores and consumer rights
- Federal Trade Commission: free credit reports and disputing errors
This article is general educational information, not individualized legal, tax or financial advice.
