A credit report is a record of information about your credit accounts and history. It is different from a credit score, which is a number calculated from information in a report. Your reports from different companies may not be identical.
1. Start with your personal information
Look at your name, current and previous addresses, and identifying details. A misspelling or old address alone may be harmless, but an unfamiliar identity detail can be a reason to inspect the rest of the report closely.
2. Review each account
For every account, compare the lender, type of account, dates, balance, credit limit where shown, and payment status with your records. Note accounts you do not recognize, accounts listed twice, or payments marked late when you believe they were on time. An account can appear differently across reporting companies, so review each report separately.
3. Check inquiries and public records
Read the inquiries section and look for credit applications you do not recognize. Some inquiries relate to your own review or pre-screening and are different from an application for new credit. Review any public-record section carefully and confirm the information belongs to you.
4. Save notes, then choose the next step
Write down the reporting company, account name, date and specific item that concerns you. Keep copies of documents that support a correction. If you spot information you believe is inaccurate, use our dispute guide and the reporting company’s own instructions.
Use AnnualCreditReport.com ↗, the authorized site for free reports under federal law. This site does not retrieve reports.
Sources and review
Based on CFPB credit report resources ↗ and FTC free credit report guidance ↗. Last editorial review: September 2026. Always check the official sources for current details.