Make sense of the details.
Plain-language steps grounded in consumer guidance from the CFPB and FTC.
How to read a credit report
Accounts, payment history, inquiries, personal details and what to check.
Open guide →02How to dispute an error
Record the mistake, gather support and follow up on your dispute.
Open guide →03How a credit freeze works
When a freeze may help, what it does not do and how to lift one.
Open guide →04Credit report vs. credit score
Two related concepts with different jobs.
Open guide →05Hard and soft inquiries
Understand who looked at your file and when an inquiry may matter.
Open guide →06Fraud alert or credit freeze?
Choose the right response when you suspect misuse of your identity.
Open guide →07Common credit report errors
A focused list of details worth checking on every report.
Open guide →08Build or rebuild credit
The role of on-time payment and manageable balances.
Open guide →09Is credit monitoring worth paying for?
A decision guide for alerts, coverage and subscription costs.
Open guide →10How to get your free credit reports
Find the official route and know what you are requesting.
Open guide →11What to do after a credit denial
Read an adverse action notice and check the report used in a decision.
Open guide →12Beyond the three credit bureaus
Learn when a specialty consumer report may matter.
Open guide →13How long information stays on a report
Understand general reporting periods and when to challenge inaccurate dates.
Open guide →